"$2026$ Volkswagen ID 4 positioned as the larger sibling of the upcoming ID Cross"

The Volkswagen ID 4, the automaker's second bespoke electric car following the ID 3 hatchback, is set to undergo a significant transformation next year. This update will position the ID 4 as the "big brother" of the new ID Cross, according to recent reports.

The ID 4, like its predecessor, is being repositioned to be a more obvious electric equivalent to the Tiguan. Volkswagen may move away from the extremely short front ends on its electric vehicles, such as the ID 3, in an effort to address the challenges these designs pose in heavy updates.

Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's design chief, has suggested that the current short front ends on electric vehicles can lead to overheating issues due to long glass windows and deep dashboards. However, no specific details about the ID 4's repositioning or makeover have been given.

The ID 4 was launched in 2020 and is approaching its fifth birthday. The mid-life update will be extensive, resembling a new generation rather than a facelift. It is unclear if the issue of the ID 3's short front end can be addressed in a heavy update.

The ID 4 remains an important part of Volkswagen's drive to become a global leader in EV sales. In the first half of 2025, the ID 4 was Europe's second best-selling electric car, behind the Tesla Model Y.

Meanwhile, the ID 3 is also due for a dramatic overhaul, but Volkswagen's design chief, Andreas Mindt, refused to elaborate on the ID 3's overhaul. For 2023, the available search results do not mention any official updates or specific changes to the Volkswagen ID.4 that would allow it to be positioned as the "big brother" of a model called ID Cross; the ID Cross is not yet an official model, and Volkswagen is instead focusing on new names like ID Polo and clearer branding for future electric models.

The ID Cross concept, which the ID 4 will undergo a makeover based on, features a more spacious and aerodynamic design. The ID 4's repositioning to be the "big brother" of the ID Cross suggests that the updated model will offer more space and improved performance compared to the current ID 4.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ID 4's makeover and its position within Volkswagen's electric vehicle lineup.

"$2026$ Volkswagen ID 4 positioned as the larger sibling of the upcoming ID Cross"