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      The new ID Cross Concept showcases an upcoming production electric vehicle set to launch next summer as an electric counterpart to the combustion T-Cross.

      12 hours ago

      By Chris Chilton

      VW's ID. Cross Concept made its debut at the Munich auto show.

      This 208 hp subcompact SUV is a sibling to the newly revealed ID. Polo hatchback.

      The electric vehicle features a 'friendly' VW front design, fold-flat seating, and a 261-mile range.

      VW truly went all out at this year's IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, unveiling not just one but three new electric vehicles. We've already seen the ID. Polo (previously ID.2) and ID. Polo GTI, but the spotlight now shifts to the ID. Cross Concept, which anticipates a production SUV with significant sales potential for next year.

      The Cross designation indicates that this subcompact utility serves as the electric version of the existing T-Cross combustion crossover, although their similarities end at the name. The ID. Cross is part of a forthcoming series of small EVs constructed on a new front-wheel-drive variant of the MEB platform.

      Other models in this series include the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, both expected to arrive in showrooms by 2026, along with a production version of the ID. Every1 concept introduced earlier this year, which may be branded as the ID. Up at its 2027 launch.

      **Design and Dimensions**

      Although it shares nearly the same 2,601 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase as the ID. Polo (with the hatch’s wheelbase being just 1mm shorter), the ID. Cross stretches to 4,161 mm (163.8 inches) in length, making it 108 mm (4.3 inches) longer and 58 mm (2.3 inches) taller. The luggage area offers 490 liters (17.3 cu. ft) of space at the back, plus a 25-liter (0.9 cu. ft) front trunk, a feature not available in any other ID electric vehicle, including the ID. Polo.

      While the appealing yet conservatively styled Polo lacks some of the Cross’s more daring modern design aspects, the ID. Cross features a front end characterized by the combination of LED lighting elements that VW refers to as “friendly,” alongside three illuminated rectangles integrated into a black C-pillar, deliberately reminiscent of both the ID. Buzz and the original Bus.

      The black plastic trim enhances the appearance of the subtly flared wheel arches, which are positioned high on the body, while the 21-inch wheels are equipped with special Continental tires that carry the design of the alloy rim into the sidewall. It’s a creative visual detail, albeit one that may be impractical and difficult to discern in everyday situations, likely causing frustration for tire retailers.

      **Relaxing Interior with Some Physical Buttons**

      Inside, familiar elements from the ID2.all concept, which previewed the ID. Polo back in 2023 (with VW yet to reveal interior images of the ID. Polo), are evident. There’s an 11-inch digital instrument cluster behind a robust, square two-spoke steering wheel, while a larger 13-inch tablet-style touchscreen is prominently positioned atop the center of the dashboard.

      Fortunately, in response to previous criticisms of its earlier models, VW has included a set of physical buttons below the screen, eliminating the need to press virtual buttons to adjust climate settings. Additionally, there's a small rotary controller on the console reminiscent of BMW's iDrive.

      If the digital information becomes overwhelming, users can simply lay their smartphone face down on the wireless charging pad. Doing this will switch the displays to ‘calm status,’ showing only essential information.

      The design team has also focused on fostering a soothing atmosphere in the ID. Cross. With ambient lighting, fabric-covered surfaces, and beige (referred to as Vanilla Chai) tones throughout the interior, the aim is to create a tranquil environment inspired by Parisian fashion and high-end furnishings.

      For complete horizontal relaxation, both front and rear seats can fold flat, allowing for a sleeping space in the back, similar to a classic VW Bus, although with slightly less room to maneuver. To enhance comfort, the seat backs feature a material that Volkswagen likens to a cozy yoga mat.

      **Powertrain and Range**

      The German automaker has confirmed two battery options for the Polo but remains tight-lipped regarding the Cross’s battery specifics, only stating it offers a 261-mile (420 km) WLTP electric range. A single motor located in the front drives 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) to the front wheels, which is slightly less than the 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) delivered by the ID. Polo GTI, VW's first-ever GTI electric vehicle.

      While the ID. Cross is technically a concept at this stage, the production SUV set to debut next