Volkswagen is set to give its ID.4 electric vehicle a makeover, with an updated front-end design expected by the end of next year. This refresh will bring the ID.4 closer in appearance to other Volkswagen models, such as the upcoming ID.2 hatchback. In addition to the exterior changes, the ID.4 will also receive updates to its dashboard and user interface.
The decision to update the design of the ID.4 comes as part of Volkswagen’s effort to create a more cohesive look across its electric vehicle lineup. The ID.3 and ID.4 will both undergo significant front-end redesigns to align with the styling of the upcoming ID.2 hatchback. These changes are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2026.
One notable update to the ID.4 will be the introduction of a round volume knob, replacing the current capacitive slider for volume control. This change reflects a shift towards physical buttons for key functions in the vehicle, including volume control, heating settings, fan controls, and hazard lights. Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mint, emphasized the importance of physical buttons in a car, stating that they will be a standard feature in all future Volkswagen models.
The move towards physical buttons in the ID.4 marks a departure from the trend of minimalist interiors popularized by Tesla, which eliminated physical buttons in favor of screen-based controls. While screen-based controls were seen as a way to create a high-tech feel, safety regulators have raised concerns about distracted driving caused by large screens in vehicles. In response to these concerns, Volkswagen is reintroducing physical buttons for a more intuitive and user-friendly driving experience.
The ID.4 has been a successful model for Volkswagen, particularly in the U.S. market, where it accounted for a significant portion of the brand’s sales. Despite facing challenges such as a recall and production halt in 2024, the ID.4 rebounded strongly in the first quarter of this year, with a 26% increase in sales year-over-year.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen is planning to transition to its next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) by the end of the decade, which will introduce a new software-defined vehicle architecture. In the meantime, updates to existing models like the ID.4 will help keep Volkswagen’s lineup fresh and competitive in the evolving electric vehicle market.