Volkswagen is charting a course towards making electric mobility more accessible, with the introduction of its latest vision: the ID. CROSS Concept. This compact electric SUV, first showcased at the 2025 IAA Mobility event in Munich, represents a significant step in the automaker's strategy to democratize EVs. Confirmed for production in 2026, the ID. CROSS is designed to offer a familiar Volkswagen experience, but with a fully electric powertrain and a more attainable price point. Its unveiling signals a clear intent to broaden the appeal of battery-powered vehicles by addressing the current market challenges of cost and availability, reinforcing VW's commitment to an electrified future for a wider audience.
The ID. CROSS Concept is more than just a design study; it's a direct preview of a forthcoming production model. Volkswagen’s ambition is to integrate electric vehicles seamlessly into the daily lives of consumers, moving beyond premium offerings to provide practical, family-friendly options. This vehicle will join other entry-level EVs from the brand, such as the ID. Polo and the performance-oriented ID. Polo GTI, forming a new wave of affordable electric options under the Volkswagen umbrella.
A notable aspect of the ID. CROSS is its innovative design philosophy, termed “Pure Positive.” This aesthetic aims to harmonize attributes like robustness, widespread appeal, and subtle nods to Volkswagen's rich heritage. Physically, the vehicle mirrors the compact footprint of the T-Cross, measuring 163.8 inches in length and 72.4 inches in width, yet it boasts a distinctly modern and refined silhouette. Iconic design elements, such as a 'floating' roof, vertical C-pillars, and horizontal louvres, cleverly evoke the spirit of Volkswagen classics like the Bus and Golf. Adding to its conceptual flair are striking 21-inch “Balboa” wheels developed in collaboration with Goodyear. The front and rear fascias are adorned with sophisticated three-dimensional LED lighting signatures, proudly incorporating illuminated Volkswagen logos.
The interior of the ID. CROSS has been meticulously crafted to prioritize comfort and an inviting ambiance, more akin to a contemporary lounge than a conventional vehicle cabin. The upholstery features tranquil “Vanilla Chai” tones complemented by a unique bouclé fabric called Daisy, lending the space a soft, tactile quality that distinguishes it from many compact SUVs. The user experience is further enhanced by pre-configured settings for lighting, sound, and climate, alongside the subtle integration of eucalyptus leaves within the floating center console, connecting occupants with nature. Despite its forward-thinking design, the ID. CROSS does not compromise on practicality. It offers a generous 450 liters of boot space, a convenient 38-liter storage compartment beneath the rear seats, and an additional small frunk at the front. The versatile seating arrangement allows for the seats to fold completely flat, transforming the cabin into a reclining area—a direct homage to the renowned adaptability of the classic VW Bus.
Underpinning the ID. CROSS is the advanced MEB+ platform, an evolution of Volkswagen’s modular electric vehicle architecture, engineered for enhanced range and faster charging capabilities. The concept is powered by a single electric motor positioned on the front axle, delivering a robust 208 horsepower (155 kW). This configuration is projected to achieve a commendable range of up to 261 miles (420 kilometers) under WLTP testing conditions, with a top speed electronically capped at 109 mph (175 km/h). Beyond its primary function as a passenger vehicle, the ID. CROSS is also engineered with practicality in mind. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 2,646 pounds (1,200 kilograms) for a braked trailer on an eight percent gradient, and a 165-lb (75-kilogram) tow ball load, sufficient for transporting two electric bicycles. Volkswagen also anticipates that future software updates for the MEB+ platform will significantly enhance driver assistance systems, such as Travel Assist, by integrating features typically found in more expensive models, thereby offering premium functionalities at a more accessible level.
Volkswagen anticipates launching the production version of the ID. CROSS in the summer of 2026. This compact SUV is set to join the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI as part of the brand's expansive four-vehicle rollout of affordable electric models, with the ID. EVERY1 expected to follow in 2027. All these vehicles fall under the purview of the Volkswagen Group’s “Brand Group Core,” which strategically includes Škoda, SEAT, Cupra, and VW Commercial Vehicles. This collaborative framework is designed to leverage shared technology and economies of scale, significantly reducing production costs across the multiple brands. While official pricing details are yet to be revealed, Volkswagen has explicitly stated its intention for these new models to broaden the appeal of electric vehicles, making them attainable for a significantly larger segment of the consumer market.