Volkswagen Announces ID.3 and ID.4 as True EVs in Upcoming Electric Vehicle Offensive

Volkswagen Pledges to Reconnect with Canadian Drivers Through Revamped EV Lineup

Volkswagen’s CEO has acknowledged that the automaker had lost touch with its customer base, particularly with its electric vehicle (EV) offerings. This admission comes as Volkswagen prepares to launch a new lineup of EVs in Canada this year, starting with the refreshed ID.3 Neo next week.

The ID.3 and ID.4 have been among Volkswagen’s most popular EVs globally, yet they haven’t quite met expectations in key markets, including Canada. With next-generation models on the horizon, the German automaker is determined to set things right.

A Lost “Volkswagen Feel”

During a recent media event in Hamburg, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer admitted, “It was clear to me that we were actually losing our core.” He explained that the brand had lost that “special Volkswagen feel” with its current EV lineup, including the ID.3 and ID.4.

Everything from naming conventions to exterior and interior design didn’t resonate as “true Volkswagens,” Schäfer told Auto Express and other media members.

Revamped Design and Naming

Schäfer promised that Volkswagen’s next-generation EVs will restore the brand’s iconic identity. The refreshed ID.3 Neo will make its official debut next week, signalling the start of a new design direction. This includes a shift from numeric names to more intuitive, name-based models such as ID. Polo, ID. Cross, and ID. Tiguan, which will replace the ID.4.

Volkswagen first previewed this new design language with the ID.2all concept, slated to launch as the ID. Polo later this month.

Customer-Driven Changes

Schäfer and Volkswagen’s tech development boss, Kai Grünitz, gathered extensive customer feedback through “customer clinics.” The goal was to focus on what drivers truly want, rather than following broader industry trends.

Some of the changes might seem minor—like adding physical climate control buttons and more conventional exterior door handles—but these are features Canadian drivers have been asking for. “That’s why we bring back real buttons, usability, and also real car names you can understand immediately,” Schäfer said.

What Canadian Drivers Can Expect

Volkswagen’s next-generation EVs will feature a fresh style, which design chief Andreas Mindt refers to as “the secret sauce.” Recent spy images suggest the refreshed ID.4—rebranded as the ID. Tiguan—will look more like the current Tiguan, with a more traditional SUV profile and a squared-off front end.

Following the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, Volkswagen will launch the ID. Cross this summer—an electric counterpart to the T-Cross.

Production and Availability in Canada

While the next-generation EVs are launching in Europe over the next few months, Volkswagen recently announced it is ending production of the ID.4 at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant later this month. According to an Automotive News report, the ID. Tiguan is expected to debut officially by the end of 2026 and will replace the ID.4 at VW’s plant in Emden, Germany.

Volkswagen has not yet confirmed if or when the ID. Tiguan will arrive in Canada. However, Canadian drivers can expect updates as Volkswagen rolls out its revamped EV lineup.

Sales Performance and Incentives

In the first quarter of 2026, the best-selling Volkswagen EVs globally included the ID.4/ID.5 (25,000 units), ID.3 (19,600 units), and ID.7 (14,500 units). While sales were up 12% in Europe, Volkswagen Group’s total EV deliveries dropped 64% in China and 80% in the U.S.

For Canadian buyers, this is an exciting time. With Volkswagen’s renewed focus on design, usability, and brand identity, the upcoming EVs could offer a compelling option in the Canadian market. Keep an eye out for more details on pricing, availability, and provincial incentives such as those offered through Canada’s iZEV program.

Canadian drivers may also benefit from additional provincial rebates—check with your local provincial government for the latest EV incentive programs.