There is a broad consensus among policymakers, automakers, and consumers alike: if society truly intends to spur a mass migration away from environmentally detrimental, fuel-hungry combustion vehicles toward a future dominated by clean electric mobility, then affordability must become the decisive factor. While premium electric models — equipped with expansive high-capacity battery packs, interiors draped in luxury textiles, and advanced technological amenities — certainly attract attention and highlight engineering prowess, they remain financially out of reach for most buyers. As such, these vehicles cannot realistically drive large-scale adoption. What is urgently required is an expanded selection of entry-level electric cars that balance modern design and respectable performance with affordability. Up until now, however, the global market has been glaringly deficient in accessible alternatives.
Volkswagen, perceptive to this unmet demand, is actively adjusting its strategy in response. The German automotive titan has begun unveiling a series of compact and mid-sized electric models specifically engineered to serve the lower end of the price spectrum, aiming for genuine mass appeal rather than exclusivity. The first examples include the recently introduced ID.2all — now rebranded as the ID. Polo and the ID. Polo GTI — as well as the more conceptual ID. EVERY1. To further enrich this catalog, Volkswagen has now presented a fourth vision: the ID. Cross. According to the company, this concept vehicle will be formally revealed next year. Interestingly, the name deliberately harkens back to the 2017 ID. Crozz prototype, which laid the groundwork for what eventually became today’s ID.4.
Design plays a central role in the ID. Cross, with Volkswagen explicitly emphasizing its aspiration to create a friendlier, more approachable aesthetic language than its existing EV lineup conveys. A quick glance at the prototype’s visual cues supports this assertion: the front boasts italicized narrow headlights bridged by a gently curved light bar. The subtle arc creates the impression of a smile, an intentional attempt to imbue the vehicle with warmth and charm that counterbalances the often austere futurism of many electric designs.
Functionally, the ID. Cross is conceived as the electric counterpart to one of Volkswagen’s most popular conventional models, the T-Cross. Beneath its compact exterior lies the next-generation MEB Plus platform — an evolution of the current Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) that underpins vehicles ranging from the ID.4 crossover and ID. Buzz minivan to numerous electric derivatives within the broader Volkswagen Group, including models produced by Audi and Skoda. The Plus iteration is expected to address some of the shortcomings reported by current MEB users. Specifically, improved battery efficiency, more responsive powertrains, and a long-overdue overhaul of the often-criticized Volkswagen EV software experience are promised. For drivers who have encountered the laggy, glitch-prone software systems of existing models, this is a particularly welcome development.
As for performance figures, the ID. Cross manages to offer respectable specifications suitable for everyday driving. Its front-wheel drive powertrain generates 155 kW — equivalent to approximately 208 horsepower — ensuring adequate acceleration for its class. With a projected driving range of 420 kilometers (260 miles) under the relatively generous WLTP standard, it positions itself as a practical daily driver capable of covering both urban commutes and moderate road trips without frequent recharging. The concept also claims a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108 mph). Furthermore, its built-in towing capacity of 75 kilograms (165 pounds), delivered via a ball coupling, allows owners to carry two e-bikes — a thoughtful nod to Europe’s growing cycling culture and multi-modal transport habits.
Interestingly, Volkswagen explicitly notes that the ID. Cross will be produced for the European market, with no mention whatsoever of U.S. availability. This conspicuous omission is not entirely shocking, given the automaker’s mixed track record in the American EV market and the more challenging regulatory, infrastructural, and consumer dynamics in the United States. Yet, for American enthusiasts eager for affordable electric options that blend practicality with a hint of fun, the decision is nevertheless disappointing.
Dimensionally, the ID. Cross fits into the compact SUV category, smaller than the ID.4 but slightly larger than typical subcompacts. It stretches 4,161 millimeters in length (164 inches), spans 1,839 millimeters in width (72 inches), and rises to 1,588 millimeters in height (63 inches), with a wheelbase of 2,601 millimeters (102 inches). The model is set atop 21-inch alloy wheels crafted uniquely for this concept, which both enhance its aesthetic appeal and complement its sporty design cues. Volkswagen also leverages the compact frame cleverly for practical benefits: with five occupants, the cabin still accommodates 450 liters of cargo capacity, supplemented by an additional 25 liters of storage in the newly introduced front trunk — a novel and welcome feature, particularly since Volkswagen’s existing EVs have notably lacked frunks.
The interior layout reflects a careful balance of design innovation and consumer feedback. The dashboard and seating surfaces employ fabric materials chosen to harmonize in color and texture, subtly reinforcing the vehicle’s approachable ethos. Particularly noteworthy is the steering wheel, which reintroduces physical buttons to control functions such as driver assistance features — a decision almost certainly influenced by the wave of criticism Volkswagen received for its reliance on capacitive touch controls in recent models, which many drivers found unintuitive and frustrating. On a more versatile note, the front seats can fold completely flat, aligning seamlessly with the rear bench to create an unbroken surface suitable for car camping or transporting larger items.
Volkswagen has announced that the production-ready ID. Cross will make its debut in summer of next year, their timing designed to follow the market introduction of the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI. Afterward, the ID. EVERY1 — which is still awaiting its finalized production name — will arrive in showrooms in 2027. Collectively, these models reflect Volkswagen’s deliberate repositioning as it seeks to win customers not only with engineering competence but also with user-friendly character and attainable pricing.
Behind this pivot lies an intensified concern: the growing competition from Chinese manufacturers, whose aggressively priced EVs have begun to flood the European market. Volkswagen is therefore wagering that a refreshed lineup of approachable and economically viable electric vehicles can reinvigorate its brand and restore momentum. Compared to domestic rivals such as BMW, or foreign competitors like Hyundai and Kia, VW has been comparatively slower to establish a true foothold in the global EV race. Nevertheless, its European results have remained relatively encouraging, hinting at why its strategy continues to be focused primarily on strengthening its presence within the continent rather than stretching itself prematurely to more distant markets.
In essence, the unveiling of the ID. Cross underscores not merely the launch of a new model but the larger transformation of Volkswagen’s philosophy: from a producer of aspirational luxury EVs for a narrow demographic to a brand aspiring to democratize electric mobility for the many. Should this strategy succeed, it could prove pivotal in accelerating the broader societal shift toward cleaner transportation.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/773435/volkswagen-rounds-out-new-lineup-of-affordable-evs-with-id-cross-concept
