Could the Volkswagen ID. Cross Be the Affordable EV That Stands Out?
Volkswagen just unveiled a new concept car, called the ID. Cross, at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany. The ID. Cross is about the size of today’s VW T-Cross, and is slotted under bigger models like the ID.4 and ID.5. The ID. Cross is a near-production model, with the actual car releasing in 2026. This car comes amid Volkswagens new design language and EV push. Which is very similar to other automotive brands.
Why It Matters
Volkswagen it surprisingly Europe’s biggest EV maker right now, and is facing competition from others like Tesla, Hyundai/Kia, BYD, and many others. The entry-level EV market is now where more growth is expected, and the category is meant to be affordable and compact.
Volkswagen is signaling confidence in EVs, by bringing classic model names back like, Polo and GTI. VW also wants the ID. Cross to feel likable, approachable, and not futuristic and cold. The ID. Cross is a part of a planned four-model EV family. That will be in the price of about $33,00 and in the same size class.
Power and Range
The ID. Cross has a 211 hp and 155kW motor output. That is all powered with a single motor, front-wheel drive system. It will be able to drive 260 miles on a single charge, which is actually pretty good for a small SUV. The platform that the ID. Cross uses is on the upgraded MEB+ platform, which has more efficient motors and batteries.
The ID. Cross will also have a towing capacity of about 2,600 pounds. Which is pretty practical compared to others in this segment. The 0-60 time has not been revealed yet, but we do know that it will have a top speed of 109 mph.
Design
Since this car has a new design it looks purely positive, simple, strong, and friendly. The front looks kinda like it has a “smiling” 3D light signature. The design also looks like it was inspired by the older VW Golf and bus.
The ID. Cross has also some modern design elements like flush door handles, a new rear light bar design, and some 21-inch Balboa wheels deigned by Goodyear for concept flair. It has a stance of a city car, and family hauler. VW says they’re a trendsetter, not a trend follower.
Images:VW
Interior
The ID. Cross is a five-seater with a spacious cabin, thanks to the way it was packaged as an EV. It has 15 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, and about 1 cubic foot of storage in the frunk. For a total of about 16 cubic feet of cargo room.
With fold-flat rear seats, it is able to create the VW Bus-style reclining area. The interior color is called, Vanilla Chai, which is a beige looking color. There are patterns of plants in the infotainment screen, and actual plants in the center console. The car also uses sustainable materials in its fabrics and eco seat trims. All of this gives a sense of a roomy environment, even for its small size.
Images:VW
Tech
For tech there is an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 13-inch central touchscreen, a new menu design that is simpler and intuitive, a redesigned multifunction steering wheel, a natural voice control with direct buttons for certain functions, preset atmospheres modes that change the light, climate, and sound, and lastly all of this is built on the new MEB+ software platform.
In safety there is Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, but more safety features will be detailed when it starts production.
When You’ll See It
The production model of the ID. Cross is coming in summer 2026, and will be apart of VW’s new affordable EV family. VW will use cross-brand partnerships with Seat, Cupra, and Skoda to reduce costs. The goal for this vehicle is to be more affordable and mainstream, so regular buyers can actually afford it when it comes out.
Volkswagen is leaning more into their heritage of friendliness, unlike other competitors who are chasing futuristic goals. This compact SUV area for VW is a smart choice, it works in the city, fits most families, and is affordable.
Is this the EV type you’ve been waiting for? Do you like the direction Volkswagen is taking their EV’s? Let us know in the comments!