Volkswagen ID.4 to Undergo Major Design and Interior Updates
Volkswagen is set to give its popular electric crossover, the ID.4, a significant transformation. The vehicle will receive a redesigned front end and an updated interior with more physical buttons, signaling a shift in the company’s approach to electric vehicle design. These changes are part of a broader effort to align the ID.4 with other models in the Volkswagen EV lineup, including the upcoming ID.2 hatchback.
A New Look for the ID.4
According to reports from Autocar, which cited Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s head of technical development, the ID.4 will see a major redesign by the end of 2026. This update will bring the SUV closer in style to the ID.2, a super-compact model that has yet to be confirmed for the U.S. market. While the ID.3 and ID.4 are not currently available in the United States, both models will now share a more cohesive design language with their family members.
The front-end redesign is expected to feature a more unified look, making the ID.4 visually consistent with other Volkswagen EVs. This move reflects the automaker’s commitment to creating a recognizable and cohesive brand identity across its electric vehicle range.
A Return to Physical Buttons
One of the most notable changes in the ID.4’s interior will be the introduction of physical buttons. The current model uses a capacitive slider for volume control, a feature that has drawn criticism for being awkward and unintuitive. In response, Volkswagen plans to add a round volume knob in the next update, as confirmed by Grünitz.
This change comes after several executives acknowledged that buyers are growing tired of screen-based controls. According to Andreas Mint, Volkswagen’s head of design, future models will include physical buttons for five essential functions: volume, heating, fans, and hazard lights. These buttons will be placed below the central screen, ensuring they are easily accessible.
Mint emphasized that this shift is a direct response to consumer feedback. “It's a car. It's not a phone,” he said, highlighting the importance of tactile controls for driver safety and convenience.
Lessons from Tesla and Industry Trends
Tesla pioneered the minimalist interior trend, eliminating physical buttons in favor of large touchscreen displays. While this approach was marketed as a step toward a high-tech future, it also allowed for cost savings, particularly in the production of electric vehicles, which remain more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
However, the trend has not been without its drawbacks. Safety regulators have raised concerns about the increased risk of distracted driving due to the need to navigate complex menus on large screens. In response, the European Union has effectively mandated the return of physical buttons over time.
Volkswagen’s decision to reintroduce physical controls aligns with this growing industry trend, offering a more user-friendly and safer experience for drivers.
Sales Performance and Market Position
Despite some challenges, the ID.4 has remained a strong performer for Volkswagen. In the U.S., it once accounted for 12% of the brand’s sales. However, the model faced a significant dip in 2024 due to a recall and production halt caused by faulty electronic door handles.
Despite these setbacks, demand for the ID.4 rebounded strongly in early 2025, with 7,663 units sold in the first quarter—a 26% increase compared to the same period last year. In Europe, the ID.4 has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles, helping Volkswagen surpass Tesla as the top EV seller on the continent in the first quarter of 2025, according to JATO Dynamics.
Preparing for the Future
As Volkswagen moves toward its next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) by the end of the decade, it must ensure its current models remain competitive. The updates to the ID.4, including a redesigned exterior and a more practical interior, demonstrate the automaker’s commitment to evolving its electric vehicle lineup while addressing customer needs.
With a focus on usability, safety, and design consistency, Volkswagen is positioning itself to maintain its leadership in the electric vehicle market.
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