VW boosts EVs, refines crossovers

Volkswagen executives made a calculated bet several years ago that a consumer base for its coming line of electric vehicles would grow enough in the U.S. to justify production here. That bet will begin to pay off this year with the arrival of the Tennessee-built ID4, just before the Inflation Reduction Act's new EV tax credit system kicks in at the beginning of next year.

Exactly how that legislation — which offers consumers credits of up to $7,500 for vehicles assembled in North America that have batteries following certain sourcing and assembly guidelines — will impact future EVs from VW is unclear, though it likely will speed up plans to localize production of the ID Buzz retro-styled minivan, one of four EVs that will be in dealers' lineup by the end of 2026.

Also during that period, the German brand will continue to refine its internal combustion crossover lineup, with updates coming to the Atlas family, as well as a redesigned Tiguan and freshened Taos. The Arteon sedan will end its short run in the U.S., but the Jetta and souped-up versions of the Golf will continue on.

Electric crossover: The promised three-row electric crossover is expected to debut in 2026, about the same time that a redesigned and similar-sized Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport arrive. Expect the electric version to be built in Chattanooga, but there is no confirmation yet on those plans.

ID4: North American production of the battery-powered ID4 compact crossover began in Chattanooga in July, with the reengineered, Americanized version heading to dealerships this fall. It will feature a smaller, 62-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The ID4 will be due for a freshening in 2025.

ID Buzz: The retro-styled Microbus will arrive in dealerships in 2024 and will continue to be built in Hanover, Germany, for the time being. The version coming to the U.S. is longer than European passenger and cargo models, with more room from the B-pillar rearward and a longer wheelbase. The extra room may be used to at least offer a larger battery pack, though there is no definitive word from executives on that option.

ID Aero: Volkswagen has promised its dealers a third EV based on the MEB architecture to go along with the ID4 and ID Buzz, one with better aerodynamics that should offer impressive range. The Passat-sized electric sedan is to arrive in the U.S. in 2024 and will be imported from Europe.

Midsize pickup: VW dealers' decadeslong desire for a midsize pickup may rest on their ability to convince Germany to share the "rugged SUV/pickup" EV platform under development for the nascent Scout brand with the eponymous brand, and perhaps Audi. Otherwise, those dreams look to be dashed.

Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport: VW's large crossover family will receive an all-new interior, an upgraded powertrain and new styling when the midcycle freshened model arrives in dealerships in the first half of 2023.

A full redesign will take place in 2026 in what is expected to be the vehicles' last generation as gasoline-powered.

Tiguan: Timing for the U.S. introduction of the next-generation Tiguan has slipped slightly, and the compact crossover is now expected to arrive in 2025. The redesigned Tiguan was caught undisguised by spy photographers in Austria, showing it with a new front fascia, new lighting and softer styling.

Taos: The small crossover, new in 2021, split the segment with the slightly larger Tiguan. It is due to be freshened in 2025.

Arteon: VW's top-line internal combustion-powered sedan will be discontinued in the U.S. in 2024, replaced by the ID Aero.

Jetta/Jetta GLI: The Jetta and Jetta GLI would have been due for a redesign in 2024, but given the slow state of sedan sales, the current model will instead receive a freshening instead at that time.
Golf GTI/Golf R: Updated in 2021, the eighth- generation VW hot hatches are scheduled to be freshened in 2025.