VW ID. CROSS Concept - the harbinger of an affordable electric SUV

Volkswagen is presenting an electric compact SUV at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich (September 8-14): the ID. CROSS Concept – suitable for both the city and long journeys magazin de piese auto online.

VW ID. CROSS Concept - the harbinger of an affordable electric SUV

Thomas Schaefer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and member of the Group Board of Management, commented: “From the very beginning, my goal was to build the best version of the Volkswagen brand since its founding. The concept car of the future ID. CROSS demonstrates that we are already really delivering results – with a new design, many technologies typical of the higher classes, improved handling and quality and, above all, with the ‘right’ name again. With this new generation of Volkswagen, we are delivering on our promises.”

Four new compact electric models. After the ID.2 all, the ID.GTI Concept (based on the ID.2 all) and the ID.EVERY1, the ID.CROSS Concept is the fourth small electric concept car. The production versions of these new Volkswagen models will be on the market from 2026. “The world premiere of the new ID.Polo is scheduled for the first half of 2026. The ID.Polo GTI will be presented shortly after. Both models will be shown at the IAA MOBILITY, still lightly camouflaged. The ID.CROSS will have its world premiere in the summer of 2026. The ID.EVERY1, which will be shown in Munich, albeit still in concept car form, will be a highlight in 2027.”

All four new ID. models are part of a cross-brand product campaign by Brand Group Core (SEAT & CUPRA, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles), as part of which the Group's brands will launch new models in the entry-level segment of electric mobility. Brand Group Core is purposefully using synergies and economies of scale to be able to offer particularly attractive electric vehicles in Europe, both technically and price-wise.

Clean and positive – iconic and impressive. The ID. CROSS Concept, in Urban Jungle green, reflects a new, clean and impressive design language. Volkswagen Design Director Andreas Mindt explains: “We call our new design language ‘True Positive’. It is based on our three design elements – stability, likeability and the secret ingredient. It will characterise every new Volkswagen in the future. The ID. CROSS Concept is an SUV that sets trends, not follows them, and that carries the brand identity into the future.” The positive personality of the ID. CROSS Concept is immediately recognisable at the front and rear. With its graphics and 3D light signature, they create the impression that the car is ‘smiling.’ Andreas
Mindt adds: “A Volkswagen should be likeable, unmistakable and inspire with its character. That is why we deliberately make references to Volkswagen ‘icons’ such as the Golf and the VW Bus in the ID. CROSS Concept – that is our ‘secret ingredient’. This can be seen, for example, in the charismatic C-pillars and the completely straight window line. Few mass brands in the world can benefit from such a strong heritage. And this will always be in our toolbox on our journey into the future.”

Compact and easy to park. The SUV concept car shown at the IAA MOBILITIY is 4161 mm long with a wheelbase of 2601 mm, 1839 mm wide and 1588 mm high. Its dimensions are similar to those of the current T-Cross, but this does not apply to the wheel/tire combination: the designers have developed a 21-inch alloy wheel specifically for the ID. CROSS Concept, called Balboa. In collaboration with Goodyear, special 235/40 R21 tires have been designed, which continue the design of the rim into the sidewall of the tire.

Large space – compact dimensions. The interior of the five-seater ID. CROSS Concept is very spacious and with an above-average boot volume of 450 liters. An additional compartment (25 liters) under the hood provides additional space. The unusual width of the car and the spacious interior design create a greater feeling of spaciousness. On the one hand, the ID. CROSS Concept is perfectly suited for urban use thanks to its compact exterior dimensions. At the same time, it is a versatile car suitable for families and friends, which also handles longer journeys with ease.

Interior oasis with a refined lounge atmosphere. The interior of the ID. CROSS Concept is designed as a space for comfort and enjoyment. It impresses with high-quality materials and a pleasant feel to the touch, including textile surfaces. Pre-configured lighting, sound and climate modes (Atmospheres) transform the Vanilla Chai interior (a warm shade of beige) into a refined lounge offering maximum comfort. Plant motifs on the screens and even real plants in the visually floating center console enhance the feeling of coziness. An additional highlight are the specially designed seats in the concept car, which can be fully folded to create a comfort zone in the style of the VW Bus. Everything is in sight and under control. The innovative cockpit with well-thought-out ergonomics and intuitive operation ensures focused attention while on the road. In the ID. CROSS Concept, Volkswagen has created a harmonious interplay between displays with intuitive menu structures, natural voice control and buttons for direct functions. The multifunction steering wheel with clear button controls has been completely redesigned. The two central displays of the ID. CROSS Concept are arranged on a visual axis: the digital instrument cluster (28 cm/11 inches) and the central touchscreen display of the infotainment system (diameter: 33 cm/13 inches).

MEB+ – the next stage in the electric evolution. Technically, the front-wheel drive ID. CROSS Concept is based on the modular electric drive matrix MEB, which will be continuously further developed in the future with improvements to MEB+, among other things, in terms of engines, batteries and software. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for development, says: “MEB is getting a new software generation from next year, which brings with it a noticeable functional improvement of many systems for our customers. This further development of the modular system typical of Volkswagen adds functions to vehicles from higher vehicle segments, such as the further improved Travel Assist. MEB+ is thus the technical key to being able to offer electric vehicles like the production version of the ID. CROSS Concept and the new ID. Polo with above-average product characteristics for the class at attractive prices.”

New drive system – made in Europe. The ID. CROSS Concept features a newly developed, state-of-the-art drive system. Two central modules are the electric drive motor including power electronics integrated into the front axle system and the high-voltage battery located in the floor. The electric drive motor in the concept car develops an output of 211 hp (155 kW) and drives the front wheels. The estimated WLTP range for the new ID. CROSS Concept is up to 420 kilometers. Two other values are important for e-bike riders and fans of compact campers: the ball hitch is designed for a towbar load of 75 kg – enough to transport two e-bikes. The maximum trailer weight is up to 1,200 kg (with brakes,
slope 8%).

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Thomas Schaefer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and member of the Group Board of Management, commented: “From the very beginning, my goal was to build the best version of the Volkswagen brand since its founding

Four new compact electric models