Reinventing the Electric Drive: Volkswagen's Tactile Future Takes Shape with ID. Cross
Unveiling Volkswagen's Latest Electric Vision at IAA Mobility
The IAA Mobility Show is buzzing with Volkswagen's forward-thinking concepts, including the partially camouflaged electric GTI and the compact ID. Every1 hatchback. Amidst these, the ID. Cross concept makes its debut, signaling Volkswagen's strong entry into the electric SUV market. This concept offers a glimpse into the brand's most budget-friendly electric SUV, set to arrive in 2026, challenging the notion that electric vehicles must sacrifice traditional user experiences for advanced technology.
The ID. Cross: A Compact Crossover with Heritage Echoes
As a crossover variant of the forthcoming electric ID. Polo, the ID. Cross concept embodies Volkswagen's pragmatic approach to electric mobility. Its design philosophy integrates subtle visual cues from iconic Volkswagen models; the C-pillars, for instance, subtly reference the Golf, while the horizontal grille elements pay homage to the classic Bus and the ID. Buzz. This thoughtful blend of past and future is encapsulated in its "Urban Jungle" green paint and striking 21-inch alloy wheels, balancing modern aesthetics with brand legacy.
Dimensions and Practicality: Optimizing Space in a Compact Footprint
Despite its modest length of 163.8 inches (4161 millimeters), the ID. Cross concept boasts a spacious interior, reflecting an intelligent use of its dedicated electric vehicle platform. With a width of 72.4 inches (1839 millimeters), comparable to the gasoline-powered Taos, and a height of 62.5 inches (1588 millimeters), it offers a substantial presence. Its design prioritizes practicality, featuring a generous cargo capacity of nearly 16 cubic feet (450 liters) and additional storage solutions, highlighting Volkswagen's focus on everyday usability.
Reaffirming the Role of Physical Controls in the Digital Age
A notable feature of the ID. Cross concept is Volkswagen's commitment to reintroducing physical buttons and knobs, a direct response to consumer feedback. The interior showcases dedicated climate controls on the center console and an array of tactile buttons on the steering wheel, offering a more intuitive user experience. Innovative touches, such as textile-covered buttons on the seats and a rotary knob on the console, underscore a design philosophy that merges digital displays—an 11-inch instrument cluster and a 13-inch central touchscreen—with tangible controls, ensuring a harmonious balance between modernity and usability.
Under the Hood: Performance and Platform Details
Built on the MEB+ platform, engineered for front-wheel-drive configurations, the ID. Cross is powered by a single motor delivering 208 horsepower, achieving a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). An unspecified battery pack provides an impressive range of up to 261 miles (420 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle. This robust performance, combined with its efficient platform, positions the ID. Cross as a compelling option for those seeking an accessible yet capable electric crossover.
The Future of Volkswagen's Electric Lineup: Expanding the ID. Family
The production version of the ID. Cross, expected in summer 2026, may adopt the ID. Polo Cross name, aligning with Volkswagen's strategy of reintroducing familiar monikers for its electric fleet. This vehicle will join the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI hatchbacks, furthering the brand's electric portfolio. Furthermore, Volkswagen plans to leverage economies of scale by developing Škoda and SEAT counterparts based on these new electric models, indicating a broader electrification strategy across its brands.