At the IAA MOBILITY show in Munich (September 8–14), Volkswagen is debuting the ID. CROSS Concept, an all-electric compact SUV designed for both urban driving and long-distance travel.
As Germany and Europe’s leading EV manufacturer in 2025, Volkswagen continues to push forward with accessible electric mobility.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Head of the Brand Group Core, and member of the Group Board of Management, commented: “From the start, my goal has been to shape the best version of the Volkswagen brand yet. The near-production ID. CROSS¹ concept shows we’re delivering on that goal – with a fresh design, advanced technologies once reserved for premium segments, enhanced usability and quality, and finally, a name that truly fits. With this new generation of Volkswagens, we’re keeping our promises.”
Entry-Level Electric Campaign: Four New Volkswagen EV Concepts
Volkswagen is expanding its entry-level electric lineup with four new concept models. Following the ID.2 all, the ID. GTI Concept (based on the ID.2 all), and the ID. EVERY1, the newly revealed ID. CROSS Concept marks the fourth compact electric concept in this series. The production versions of these new Volkswagen models will be on the market from 2026.
The world premiere of the ID. Polo—the production version of the ID.2 all—is scheduled for the first half of 2026, with the ID. Polo GTI to follow shortly after. Both will be showcased at IAA MOBILITY, though still in light camouflage. This marks a major milestone as two iconic Volkswagen names—Polo and GTI—enter the era of electric mobility.
The final production version of the ID. CROSS will celebrate its world premiere in summer 2026. Looking ahead, the ID. EVERY1, still shown in concept form at the IAA in Munich, is set to be a highlight of 2027.
All four new ID. models are part of a cross-brand product campaign of the Brand Group Core (SEAT & CUPRA, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles), as part of which the Group brands will launch new models in the entry-level segment of electric mobility. The Brand Group Core makes targeted use of synergies and economies of scale in order to be able to offer particularly attractive electric cars in Europe, both technically and in terms of price.
Pure and positive – iconic and likeable.
The ID. CROSS Concept, in Urban Jungle green, reflects a new, clear and likeable design language. Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt explains: “We call our new design language ‘Pure Positive’. It is based on our three design cornerstones of stability, likeability and secret sauce; it will characterise every new Volkswagen in the future. We rely on a pure and powerful clarity, along with visual stability and a positive, likeable vehicle personality. The lines and powerful surfaces on the ID. CROSS Concept are pure and clear. They shape an SUV that is a trend setter not a trend follower and one that transfers the brand’s identity into the future.”
The ID. CROSS Concept’s positive personality is immediately recognisable in areas such as the front and rear. With their graphics and 3D light signature, they give the impression that the car is ‘smiling’. Andreas Mindt adds: “A Volkswagen must be likeable, unmistakable and inspire with its character. That’s why we deliberately evoke Volkswagen icons such as the Golf and the VW bus in the ID. CROSS Concept – on top, as a dash of ‘secret sauce’. This can be seen, for example, in the charismatic C-pillars and the completely straight window line. Few volume brands in the world can draw on such a strong heritage. And that will always be in in our toolkit on our journey into the future.”
Compact Outside, Spacious Inside: The ID. CROSS Concept
The ID. CROSS Concept is a compact SUV measuring 4,161 mm long, 1,839 mm wide, and 1,588 mm tall, with a 2,601 mm wheelbase—similar in size to the current T-Cross. Despite its compact footprint, it offers impressive interior space, including a 450-litre boot and an extra 25-litre front compartment.
Designed for both city driving and longer trips, the ID. CROSS features custom 21-inch “Balboa” alloy wheels with specially designed 235/40 R21 Goodyear tyres. Its wide stance and open interior design enhance the sense of space, making it a versatile five-seater ideal for urban life and family adventures alike.
Lounge-Style Interior: The ID. CROSS Concept
The ID. CROSS Concept offers a lounge-like interior designed for comfort and relaxation. Featuring high-quality fabric surfaces, warm Vanilla Chai tones, and pre-set “Atmospheres” (light, sound, and climate modes), the cabin creates a true feel-good oasis.
Unique touches include plant motifs on screens, real plants in the floating center console, and fully foldable seats that convert into a reclining area, inspired by the classic VW Bus.
The cockpit is designed for clarity and ease of use, with a redesigned multifunction steering wheel, intuitive natural voice control, and two main displays: an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, both aligned for optimal visibility and control.
MEB+ Platform: The Next Step in VW’s EV Evolution
The ID. CROSS Concept is built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, soon to be enhanced as MEB+, featuring upgrades in software, batteries, and motors. A new software generation launching next year will introduce advanced features—such as an improved Travel Assist—previously found only in higher-end models.
According to Kai Grünitz, VW Board Member for Development, MEB+ is key to offering high-quality, affordable EVs like the ID. CROSS and upcoming ID. Polo.
The ID. CROSS Concept is front-wheel drive, powered by a new 155 kW (211 PS) electric motor integrated into the front axle, and a flat high-voltage battery built into the floor. It offers a WLTP range of up to 420 km.
Practicality is also a focus: the vehicle supports a towbar load of 75 kg (ideal for two e-bikes) and a trailer weight of up to 1,200 kg (braked)—appealing to lifestyle-focused users and camper van enthusiasts.
ID. CROSS Concept – Technical data
The ID. CROSS Concept is built on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform and features front-wheel drive, powered by an electric motor delivering 155 kW (211 PS). It offers an estimated WLTP range of up to 420 kilometers and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h.
Compact in size yet spacious inside, the vehicle measures 4,161 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,601 mm. Despite its compact dimensions, it provides generous stowage capacity: 450 liters in the rear boot and an additional 25-liter frunk under the bonnet.
The ID. CROSS Concept also offers strong utility features, including a 75 kg drawbar load—ideal for carrying two e-bikes—and a maximum trailer weight of 1,200 kg (braked, on an 8% gradient). It rides on distinctive 235/40 R21 wheels, specially designed for this concept vehicle.
