New Look, New Name for VW. ID.4
The VW ID.4 is getting a new name—one that is much closer to the world of internal combustion engines: ID. Tiguan. What had previously been circulating mainly as a rumor within the industry has now been publicly confirmed by IG Metall at an event in Emden. This means the upcoming facelift of the electric SUV will move closer to one of VW’s best-known nameplates, not only in terms of its appearance but also its branding. The same is already happening with the Polo and is also expected to benefit the Golf.
The ID. Tiguan name is set to be introduced with the ID.4 facelift later this year. In keeping with this, new spy photos of the revised model are already circulating. According to IG Metall, production in Emden is expected to continue through the end of 2031. Whether a direct successor as an electric midsize SUV will roll off the production line after that remains to be seen.
VW is apparently continuing its plan to make its electric models more emotionally appealing and bring them closer to its well-known model lineup. A simple numbering system such as ID.3 or ID.4 doesn't resonate with many customers as much as a name with a history.
The confirmation of the name ID. Polo for the near-production concept of the future electric small car, announced around the time of IAA Mobility 2025, was seen as the first step in this strategy.
The small SUV variant is also expected to be positioned more clearly in the future: the internal code name will become ID. Cross—a clear reference to the T-Cross. The facelift involves more than just a new model badge. Volkswagen is also expected to refine the technology with a switch to the revised MEB-Plus platform, a new entry-level engine, LFP battery cells expected to be more cost-effective in the base variant, and a minor interior update for everyday use: the existing recessed door handles are expected to be replaced by traditional pull handles. Visually, the electric SUV is moving closer to the Tiguan but is expected to remain recognizable as a standalone model.
Skoda Kodiaq Mid-Cycle Refresh Spotted Testing in the Alps
Having recently expanded its lineup with the Peaq and Epiq models, and with the Octavia receiving yet another mid-cycle refresh, Skoda is also preparing a facelift for the Kodiaq. The brand's ICE-powered flagship crossover was last spotted testing a couple of months ago and has now been seen again. Our spies recently encountered a prototype of the model in the Alps while it was towing.
Beneath the camouflage are new split-design headlights, refreshed daytime running light graphics, a new grille pattern and a redesigned bumper featuring a wide lower air intake separated in the middle by the radar sensor, along with two sharp-looking side vents. One of the most significant updates at the rear will be a new set of taillights. The bumper is also new, and the reflectors appear to be temporary placeholders for now. The production versions are expected to be repositioned. The 2027 Skoda Kodiaq will likely debut with new wheel designs and an updated color palette.
A closer look at the photos reveals that the freestanding infotainment screen remains in the center of the dashboard next to the tablet-style digital gauge cluster. However, these displays could be new or at least feature updated software. Elsewhere, the refreshed Kodiaq could also receive a new steering wheel and an updated center console, among other changes.
The powertrain lineup currently consists of several gasoline and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid, and there's no reason to believe the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq won't continue to offer the same options, although some powertrains could receive updates. The sporty RS (vRS in the UK) is also expected to carry over. In its current form, it produces 261 horsepower, accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 143 mph.
Word on the street is that the facelifted second-generation Skoda Kodiaq could make its public debut before the end of the year and reach dealerships in spring 2027.
Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
