Alright, So everyone talking about something exciting that just rolled out at the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich. Volkswagen pulled the wraps off their ID. Cross Concept, and I’ve gotta say, it’s got me pumped about what’s coming next for affordable EVs. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky prototype that’ll never see daylight – it’s a near-production glimpse at a compact electric SUV hitting European showrooms by summer 2026. Picture it as the T-Cross’s cooler, electrified cousin, mixing practical vibes, a playful design, and enough range to keep you cruising. I dove into the nitty-gritty, and trust me, this one’s got the potential to shake up the budget EV game.
What’s the big deal? Well, VW’s doubling down on making electric cars that don’t cost an arm and a leg, slotting this alongside the upcoming ID. Polo and its sporty GTI sibling. With a price tag expected to hover between €25,000 and €30,000 (roughly $27,500 to $33,000 in the States), it’s positioned to undercut pricier EVs like the ID.4 while still being a practical pick for city commutes or weekend road trips. The buzz from the show floor and X posts is electric – pun intended – with folks raving about how VW’s blending modern tech with that approachable, Beetle-like charm we all love.
Pure Positive Design: A Look That Pops Without Overdoing It
Let’s start with the styling, because this thing’s got character for days. VW’s calling their new design language “Pure Positive,” and it’s all about clean lines, friendly vibes, and details that make you go, “Huh, that’s kinda cool.” The ID. Cross Concept nails this with an exterior that’s bold but not in-your-face, perfect for standing out at the grocery store or a trailhead.
The front end sports a sleek, glossy black grille graphic capped by a full-width LED daytime running light that curves upward at the edges, giving it this happy, almost smirking look – like it’s ready to hit the road and have some fun. The rounded bumper and fender lines add a bit of chubby-cheeked charm, and at 4,161 mm long, 1,839 mm wide, and 1,588 mm tall on a 2,601 mm wheelbase, it’s just a touch bigger than the gas-powered T-Cross. That EV architecture makes it feel grounded and roomy, with wheels pushed to the corners for a planted stance.
From the side, you get gently flared wheel arches framing massive 21-inch Balboa alloy wheels – though production models will likely tone those down for better efficiency. The blacked-out pillars create a floating roof effect, especially in the concept’s vibrant “Urban Jungle” green, and the C-pillar pays homage to VW legends like the Golf and Bus – sturdy and timeless. Out back, a full-width taillight bar with a glowing VW logo ties it all together, blending simple shapes with slick LED tech.
Against competitors like the Renault 4 or Ford Puma EV, the ID. Cross feels more inviting and less aggressive – it’s not pretending to be a rugged 4×4, just a versatile crossover with a smile. X users are eating it up, with one calling it “pure VW soul, clear and positive,” capturing the excitement from Munich. If VW keeps this look for production, it could redefine what budget EVs can be.
Inside the ID. Cross: A Cozy, Tech-Savvy Retreat
Pop open the door, and the ID. Cross Concept feels like your favorite coffee shop on wheels – warm, inviting, and just plain comfy. VW’s gone all-in on a “feel-good oasis” vibe, using premium materials that don’t scream luxury price tag. The seats, door panels, and dash are draped in soft, bouclé-style fabric in a creamy Vanilla Chai beige, creating this cozy, almost hug-like atmosphere. And yeah, the concept’s got real plants in a translucent center console – a quirky touch that probably won’t make it to dealers, but it sets the mood.
The dashboard sits low for awesome outward visibility, rocking an 11-inch digital driver display and a separate 13-inch touchscreen – no giant merged screens here, which keeps things driver-friendly. Better yet, VW brought back physical buttons on the center stack, so you’re not digging through menus to adjust the AC. The MEB+ platform’s updated software makes the infotainment snappy, with voice controls and “Atmospheres” modes that tweak lighting, sound, and climate with cool leaf-themed graphics. There’s even a “calm status” that dims everything when you flip your phone face-down in its cradle – perfect for zen drives.
For practicality, it’s got 450 liters of cargo space with seats up, plus a 25-liter frunk for charging cables or muddy boots. The front and rear seats fold flat to create a legit sleeping platform, giving off serious VW Bus adventure vibes. It’s a big step up from earlier ID models, addressing gripes about plasticky interiors. One X user summed it up: “VW’s back to its roots with this interior – functional and feels like home.” For families or city folks, this cabin’s a winner.
Power and Performance: Built for Real Life, Not the Racetrack
Under the frunk, the ID. Cross packs a front-axle electric motor pumping out 155 kW (211 hp), paired with integrated power electronics for quick, responsive driving. The battery size isn’t confirmed – I’m guessing around 56 kWh, based on similar EVs – but it delivers up to 420 km (261 miles) on the WLTP cycle, which shakes out to about 230-240 miles in real-world conditions. That’s plenty for daily commutes or a weekend escape, especially for the price.
Towing enthusiasts, you’re in luck: It’s got a hitch rated for 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) braked and 75 kg (165 lbs) tongue weight, so you can haul e-bikes, a small trailer, or even a compact camper. The MEB+ platform adds smarter driver assists, slicker infotainment, and over-the-air updates, all without jacking up the cost. It’s not built for speed – think efficiency and usability over drag-strip sprints – but it’s lighter and more agile than the ID.4. Expect DC charging around 125 kW, so you’re not stuck at stations forever.
The buzz on X highlights its potential: “This could be a game-changer for VW,” one user posted, pointing to its role in making EVs more mainstream. It’s practical power that fits real life.
Specs Breakdown: What the ID. Cross Brings to the Table
Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs based on the concept (production might tweak these a bit):
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,161 mm x 1,839 mm x 1,588 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,601 mm |
| Powertrain | Front-wheel drive, 155 kW (211 hp) electric motor |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 420 km (261 miles) |
| Battery | Unspecified (est. 56 kWh) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,200 kg braked, 75 kg tongue |
| Cargo Space | 450 liters (seats up) + 25-liter frunk |
| Wheels | 21-inch Balboa alloys (concept) |
| Interior Displays | 11-inch cluster + 13-inch touchscreen |
| Pricing (Est.) | €25,000-€30,000 ($27,500-$33,000 USD) |
| On Sale | Summer 2026 (Europe; US TBD) |
These specs make it a strong contender, offering more cargo and towing than many compact EVs.
Why the ID. Cross Could Be Volkswagen’s Next Home Run
With EVs getting pricier, the ID. Cross Concept feels like a breath of fresh air – affordable, versatile, and bursting with personality. It’s VW leaning into their roots while pushing electric tech forward. Will it hit US shores? I’m keeping my fingers crossed, as it’d be a perfect fit below the ID.4 for first-time EV buyers. The X crowd’s hyped, with one user saying, “If VW nails this, it’ll pull a ton of people to electric.”
So, what’s your take? Is the ID. Cross’s friendly design a hit, or do you want something edgier? Let me know in the comments, and keep an eye out for production updates. For more EV goodness, swing by our ID. Buzz review or hit up Volkswagen’s site for the official scoop. Happy driving, folks!
Source- volkswagen-newsroom.com
