Volkswagen has introduced its new electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the ID. Cross, positioning it as an accessible option within the brand’s growing lineup of smaller and more budget-friendly electric vehicles.
Vehicle Specifications and Pricing
The ID. Cross is noted for being essentially the all-electric counterpart to Volkswagen’s popular T-Cross SUV model sold in Europe. Following previous compact models like the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, the company states that the new electric SUV establishes “new standards” in its class. Pre-orders for the vehicle began on Wednesday in Germany.
The entry price point for the ID. Cross starts at 27,995 euros, which is estimated to be around $32,000. The SUV utilizes Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform and offers two battery configurations: a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack and a larger 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack. These batteries provide an estimated WLTP range of up to 427 km, or 265 miles.
The vehicle is available with three distinct performance tiers:
- VW ID. Cross Trend: Standard configuration featuring a 37-kWh battery and 85 kW (114 hp) output.
- VW ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style: Standard options utilize a 37-kWh battery with an output of 99 kW (132 hp).
- VW ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style: Optional upgrades feature the 52-kWh battery, providing up to 155 kW (207 hp) of power.
Performance and Features
The ID. Cross features advanced charging capabilities. The smaller 37 kWh battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes when utilizing DC fast charging up to 90 kW. For the larger 52 kWh battery, recharging takes around 24 minutes with speeds reaching up to 105 kW.
In terms of utility, Volkswagen confirmed that the model equipped with the larger battery capacity can tow trailers with a gross weight limit of up to 3,000 lbs (1,200 kg), allowing it to haul items such as small caravans, boats, or motorcycles.
Interior Design and Technology
Inside, the ID. Cross adopts Volkswagen’s modern digital cockpit design. The cabin is equipped with a 10.25″ “Digital Cockpit Pro” instrument display and a central 12.9″ infotainment screen. A unique feature highlighted by the manufacturer is the option for a retro display theme that transforms the instrument panel to resemble the classic Golf 1.
The vehicle comes standard with safety and convenience features powered by the latest MEB+ platform software. The updated Travel Assist ADAS system, renamed Connected Travel Assist, is notable because it responds to traffic lights—a capability Volkswagen stated was a first in its price segment.
Optional additions for buyers include a premium 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, rated at 425 Watts of power, and pneumatic massage functions for the electrically adjustable front seats.
Dimensions and Availability Details
Measuring 4,161 mm in length, 1,794 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height, and boasting a wheelbase of 2,601 mm, the ID. Cross is comparable in size to the current Volkswagen T-Cross. Despite its compact dimensions, the flat battery design allows the electric SUV to offer up to 475 liters of interior storage space, which is 20 liters more than the T-Cross.
Regarding purchasing options, pre-orders are open for the higher-specification ID. Cross Life and Style trims (155 kW output / 52 kWh battery) in Germany, starting at 36,525 euros (approximately $41,800). The base Trend model (85 kW output / 37 kWh battery) is scheduled to go on sale mid-October, with initial prices set at 27,995 euros ($32,000).
