Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Cross concept just before the official opening of the IAA Mobility show.
The concept’s name signals its alignment with Volkswagen’s recent strategy to name its electric ID models after popular gasoline-powered vehicles. The ID. Cross is clearly positioned as a small SUV, hinting at what the future electric version of the popular T-Cross will look like. The production model, which will be named the ID.2, is set to be the latest addition to the ID electric car lineup.
Following 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 (production version of the ID.2 all) – is set for the first half of 2026. The ID. Polo GTI will be presented shortly afterwards. Both models will be on show at IAA MOBILITY, still slightly camouflaged. Two legendary Volkswagen designations – Polo and GTI – will thus enter the world of electric mobility.
The final ID. CROSS will have its world premiere in the summer of 2026. The production version of the ID. EVERY1, which will also be in Munich, though still in concept car form, will be a highlight of 2027.
All four new ID. models are part of a cross-brand product campaign of the Brand Group Core (SEAT & CUPRA, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles), as part of which the Group brands will launch models in the entry-level segment of electric mobility. The Brand Group Core makes targeted use of synergies and economies of scale in order to be able to offer particularly attractive electric cars in Europe, both technically and in terms of price.
Pure and positive – iconic and likeable
The ID. CROSS Concept, in Urban Jungle green, reflects a new, clear and likeable design language.
Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt explains: “We call our new design language ‘Pure Positive’. It is based on our three design cornerstones of stability, likeability and secret sauce; it will characterise every new Volkswagen in the future. We rely on a pure and powerful clarity, along with visual stability and a positive, likeable vehicle personality. The lines and powerful surfaces on the ID. CROSS Concept are pure and clear. They shape an SUV that is a trend setter not a trend follower and one that transfers the brand’s identity into the future.”
The ID. CROSS Concept’s positive personality is immediately recognisable in areas such as the front and rear. With their graphics and 3D light signature, they give the impression that the car is ‘smiling’.
Compact – fits into any parking space
The SUV concept car on show at the IAA MOBILITIY is 4,161 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase. The ID. CROSS Concept is 1,839mm wide and 1,588mm tall. This means that its size is similar to that of the current T-Cross. This does not, however, apply to the wheel/tyre combination on the concept car: The designers have developed a 21-inch alloy wheel specifically for the ID. CROSS Concept called Balboa. In cooperation with Goodyear, special 235/40 R21 tyres were designed for the show car, which continue the design of the rim in the tyre sidewall.
Big space – small dimensions
An innovative package makes the interior of the five-seater ID. CROSS Concept very spacious with an above-average boot volume of 450 litres. An additional compartment (25 litres) under the bonnet provides additional space. The unusual width of the vehicle and the airy design of the interior create a greater sense of space.
On the one hand, the ID. CROSS Concept is perfectly tailored for urban use due to its compact exterior dimensions. At the same time, the compact SUV is an all-rounder suitable for families and friends, which also handles longer journeys with ease.
Interior oasis with a lounge-style ambience
The interior of the ID. CROSS Concept is designed as a feel-good oasis. It impresses with its outstanding material quality and feel, including fabric-covered surfaces. Pre-configured light, sound and climate modes (Atmospheres) transform the Vanilla Chai (a warm shade of beige) interior into a lounge that offers maximum comfort.
Plant motifs on the screens and real plants in the visually floating centre console enhance the feel-good effect. A further highlight is the specially designed seats in the concept car that can be folded down completely to create a reclining area in the style of a VW Bus.
Everything in sight and under control
The innovative cockpit landscape with its well thought-out ergonomics and intuitive operation ensures focused attention while on the road. In the ID. CROSS Concept, Volkswagen has created a harmonious interaction between displays with intuitive menu structures, natural voice control and buttons for direct functions.
The multifunction steering wheel with clear button control has been completely redesigned. The two central displays of the ID. CROSS Concept are arranged on a visual axis: the digital instruments (28 cm/11 inches) and the central touch display of the Infotainment system (diameter: 33 cm/13 inches).
MEB+ – the next electric evolutionary stage
Technically, the front-wheel drive ID. CROSS Concept is based on the MEB modular electric drive matrix, which will be continuously further developed in the future with improvements to the MEB+, among other things, in terms of engines, batteries and software.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, says: “The MEB is getting a new software generation from next year, which brings with it a noticeable functional enhancement of many systems for our customers. This further development of the Volkswagen-typical modular system brings functions to vehicles from higher vehicle segments, such as the further developed Travel Assist. The MEB+ is thus the technical key to being able to offer electric vehicles such as the production version of the ID. CROSS Concept and the new ID. Polo with above-average product characteristics 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 in the front axle system and the high-voltage battery arranged flat in the sandwich floor. The electric drive motor in the concept car develops an output of 155kW (211 PS) and powers the front wheels.
The WLTP range forecast for the new ID. CROSS Concept is up to 420 km (261 miles). Two other values are important for e-bike riders and fans of compact lifestyle camper vans: the ball coupling is designed for a drawbar load of 75 kg – enough to transport two e-bikes. The maximum trailer weight is up to 1,200 kg (braked, 8 per cent gradient).
