After many announcements, Volkswagen presented the new ID. Cross. It is a fully electric compact SUV model. It is the successor of the well-known T-Cross model, which, given that it comes in a fully electric version, gets a new beginning in the name, ID. instead of T-. A relatively favorable starting price of less than 28,000 euros is stated, for which you should get a powerful design and technology from the luxury class. They say that ID will. Cross offers a level of quality, comfort and equipment that sets new standards in the segment of small and compact cars.
This should be reflected in the pleasant interior atmosphere created by carefully crafted materials, fabric-covered surfaces and high seating comfort. The new Innovision infotainment system provides intuitive control and networked functions, while technologies and support systems from higher automotive segments, three power levels (85 kW, 99 kW and 155 kW) and two battery sizes (37 kWh and 52 kWh net) will be available in the future.
After the model ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, ID. The Cross belongs to a new generation of small and compact vehicles with which Volkswagen focuses more than ever on its strengths and the wishes of its customers. Thomas Schäfer, the first man of the Volkswagen brand, said on this occasion: ‘ID. Cross combines technological expertise, clean design, impressive detailed solutions and true all-round qualities – all with an excellent value for money ratio. These are the ideal prerequisites for a new Volkswagen success story.’
New ID. Cross is 415.3 centimeters long, 158.1 cm high and 179.4 cm wide. The wheelbase is 260.1 cm. Compared to the T-Cross model with an internal combustion engine, the ID. Thanks to the MEB+ platform, Cross offers more space for five passengers and their luggage. The luggage compartment has a volume of 475 liters, or 20 liters more than the T-Cross. This was achieved by the additional space under the variable boot floor, which can fit up to two crates of drinks. In addition, the new electric SUV has an additional front luggage compartment (frunk) with a volume of 25 liters under the hood – an ideal place for the charging cable and small equipment.
Volkswagen’s Pure Positive design language emphasizes visual stability. Characteristic elements such as an extended floating roof, a strong C-pillar and recognizable light signatures at the front and rear define its appearance. The lighting identity is further emphasized by the optional IQ.Light LED matrix front lights and 3D LED rear lights with an illuminated LED connecting strip and illuminated VW logos. The interior continues the same clear design approach. There is a fabric-covered instrument panel, elegant controls and a pleasant feel of all buttons, switches and surfaces.
In the new ID. Cross’ digital instruments Digital Cockpit Pro and infotainment screen are located on the same horizontal line. The Digital Cockpit Pro has a diagonal of 26 cm (10.25 inches). By activating the retro display via the View button on the multifunction steering wheel, instruments inspired by the first generation Golf appear on the screen. On the left side is the classic speedometer, and on the right is the power indicator, i.e. the energy consumption of the drive. Modern functions such as the dynamic display of traffic signs are also integrated into the display. There is also a central infotainment screen with a diagonal of 32.8 cm (12.9 inches), which is the size of a premium tablet and is easily accessible to the passenger.
ID. Cross uses the latest development phase of the MEB+ modular electric platform, the heart of which is the new APP290 electric motor. It will be available in three power levels: 85 kW (116 hp), 99 kW (135 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp). The batteries are available in two sizes: 37 kWh net and 52 kWh net capacity. The maximum AC charging power is 11 kW. A smaller battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in up to 23 minutes on DC chargers with a power of up to 90 kW. The larger battery with a capacity of 52 kWh is charged from 10 to 80 percent with a power of up to 105 kW in approximately 23 minutes.
I mentioned at the beginning that technology from higher segments is also provided, which includes Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition. Thanks to the MEB+ platform and the latest software, ID. The Cross comes standard with a number of advanced driver support systems. Connected Travel Assist, a new generation Travel Assist system that uses online data, will also be available as an option. For the first time in this price range, the system reacts to traffic lights. When it recognizes a red light, it can stop the vehicle independently within the system’s limits. The new One Pedal Driving function enables strong deceleration by controlling only the accelerator pedal. Advanced parking assistance systems have also been prepared. The Area View system provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, while Park Assist Pro can perform a fully automatic parking maneuver, including remote parking via smartphone. We can’t wait to try it all for ourselves.
According to Volkswagen, special attention was paid to driving comfort and stability during development. Suspension adapted to the electric drive means that quality shock absorbers are used, optimized suspension components while measures to reduce noise and vibration ensure a pleasantly quiet driving experience. For a more powerful performance of 155 kW, a new adaptive DCC suspension will be available. The system combines high precision, agility and everyday usability. By continuously adjusting the cushioning to the road conditions and the driving situation, it provides an extremely balanced experience – from comfortable travel to dynamic driving.
There are three basic equipment levels. The initial one is Trend, which brings quality materials and easy-to-use analog and digital controls. There is also DC fast charging with a power of 90 kW. Life and Style bring two levels of individualization. ID. Cross Life includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, ACC adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and cross-traffic assist. The top of the offer represents the ID. Cross Style with IQ.Light LED matrix lights, illuminated LED strip, 3D LED taillights, illuminated VW logos front and rear, heated seats and steering wheel, personalized interior and keyless entry and locking system.
ID. Cross will be able to be equipped with options that are not available either on the T-Cross model or on many competitors. Among them is a premium Harman Kardon audio system with a power of 425 W with 10 speakers, including a center speaker and a subwoofer. New in the segment is the pneumatic massage function for the 12-way electrically adjustable front seats. The driver can choose between three massage programs. The electrically adjustable driver’s seat also has a memory function. The panoramic roof with dimensions of 74 x 90 cm extends deep towards the rear of the vehicle, and the electric roller blind enables darkening as desired.
Versatility is further increased by the vehicle-to-load function for powering external devices with a power of up to 3.6 kW. For example, electric bicycles can be charged during weekend trips via a Schuko adapter from the Volkswagen Accessories range, connected to the vehicle’s charging port. The version with a 52 kWh battery will be able to tow trailers with a total weight of up to 1200 kg.
Start of pre-sale of the ID model. The Cross in Croatia is expected in August, while the basic Trend version (85 kW and 37 kWh) with a price of under 28,000 euros will be available a little later. We expect the first copies in Croatia at the beginning of 2027.
