Volkswagen is turning one of its best-selling nameplates into an electric SUV. Series production of the ID. Tiguan has begun at the company's Embden plant in Germany, and the model will replace the ID.4 in 2027, Electrek reported.

The ID.4 and ID.5 are on the way out. Following the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, which are now on sale in Europe, the ID. Tiguan is the next model to go on sale as a "True Volkswagen," as the company calls it. The new electric SUV adopts Volkswagen's best-selling nameplate as part of a shift away from the numerical system used on the outgoing ID.4 and ID.5.

"The Tiguan is our best-selling model worldwide, and the ID.4 and ID.5 are among our most successful electric cars," VW brand CEO Thomas Schafer said last month after unveiling the new SUV, adding that "The ID. Tiguan brings these two success stories together." Electrek rendered the surname as Shafer in its report.

A boxier look, physical buttons, and three powertrains

Volkswagen said the ID. Tiguan's hallmark is a completely redesigned exterior that stays closer to the gas-powered Tiguan, with a boxy, traditional SUV look, a wide front end, and traditional pull-style door handles instead of flush ones. In the company's words, it "looks like a vehicle from the premium segment."

Inside are a 10-inch Digital Cockpit and a 15-inch center display, plus an optional 12-inch passenger screen. After listening to customer feedback, Volkswagen added physical buttons under the center display and on the steering wheel for climate control and other functions. A Retro Mode transforms the displays to mimic iconic models such as the first-generation Golf, and drivers can choose from six classic VW models to show in a virtual garage: Golf I, Golf II Country, Golf IV, Tiguan I, Race Touareg, and Beetle, Electrek reported.

The ID. Tiguan will be available with two battery packs and three performance levels: a rear-wheel-drive version with 140 kilowatts (190 PS) and a 58 kilowatt-hour battery; a rear-wheel-drive version with 210 kilowatts (286 PS) and a 77 kilowatt-hour battery; and a 220-kilowatt (299 PS) 4MOTION all-wheel-drive variant, also with the 77 kilowatt-hour pack. Depending on the configuration, Volkswagen said the SUV offers a WLTP range of up to 377 miles, or 607 kilometers.

Volkswagen opened orders in Germany and a few other European markets in October, starting at 42,695 euros, or about $47,800, in three trims: Trend, Life, and Style. After it launches in Europe through early 2027, Volkswagen said the ID. Tiguan will go on sale in North America to replace the ID.4, Electrek reported. Prices and other North American details will come "in due course."