With a smiley look and "affordable": VW ID. Cross Concept presented at the IAA – very close to the series

VW is continuing its concept series of electric subcompacts, which began at the beginning of 2023, with the ID. Cross at the current IAA Motor Show. Officially, this electric SUV still enjoys concept status, but its proximity to production is evident. Its appeal is reflected not only in its appearance, but also in its price.

At the IAA Mobility in Munich (until September 14), VW is unveiling the ID. Cross Concept, a concrete preview of an electric SUV available from 2027. Its size will position it between the small car segment and the compact class. Measuring 4.16 meters in length, the five-door model is similar in size to the current VW T-Cross.

Officially, the ID. Cross is declared a design study intended to reveal a lot about the design language of new VW models in the coming years. The new look is called "Pure Positive," and it emphasizes a friendly and personable aura. The three-dimensional light signature at the front, featuring an illuminated VW logo in the center, creates the impression that the car is smiling.

VW also speaks of a powerful clarity that, alongside modern elements, also incorporates some references to VW's past. For example, the Cross features references to the Golf and the Bulli in its C-pillars. Other distinctive features include the dark "Urban Jungle" green and 21-inch alloy wheels with inlays, whose stripe pattern echoes the exclusively designed tires. Robustness is suggested by the wheel arch surrounds, side skirt inlays, and the lower sections of the front and rear aprons, made of gray plastic.

For city and travel

The SUV concept car is designed for city use, but is also intended to be used as a touring car. A 2.60-meter wheelbase and special electric packaging promise ample space for up to five people. In addition to a 450-liter trunk, the Cross also offers a 25-liter frunk.

The Cross's cockpit is clean and digital. The instrument panel measures 11 inches, and the touchscreen 13 inches in diameter. VW promises self-explanatory menu structures, natural voice control and direct access buttons, as well as high-quality materials and fabric-covered surfaces. A warm beige color dominates the interior. Plant motifs on the screens and real plants in the floating center console are intended to create a cozy atmosphere. The highlight: All seats can be folded flat to create a comfortable bed.

The technical basis is the MEB electric modular system. It has been mentioned that, thanks to various innovations, this will be further developed into the MEB+ in the future. VW is talking about new software and functional enhancements for many systems, among other things. The front-wheel drive of the Cross is said to produce 155 kW/211 hp and accelerate the five-door car to up to 175 km/h.

VW hasn't provided any information on battery sizes, but promises a range of up to 420 kilometers. The largest format will likely be a 58 kWh battery, which VW has already announced for the ID.2 all, now renamed the ID. Polo. How much the ID. Cross will cost remains to be seen. Volkswagen uses the flexible adjective "affordable." This could mean a starting price of €25,000 to €30,000.

The ID. Cross is part of the VW Group's offensive of new electric small cars starting in 2026. The ID. Polo will kick things off in 2026, celebrating its world premiere in the first half of 2026. The ID. Polo GTI will follow shortly thereafter. The ID. Cross will debut in production form in summer 2026, followed in 2027 by a small car unveiled under the concept name ID. Every1. The new electric small cars will not only be marketed under the core VW brand, but will also be available as sister models of the Skoda and Seat/Cupra brands.