Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept: Electric compact SUV unveiled

The Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept was unveiled at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich and it is a compact SUV that will be launched in 2026 as the electric counterpart to the Volkswagen T-Cross in global markets. The ID. Cross Concept is based on the MEB modular electric drive matrix platform and gets front-wheel-drive.

Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept styling

The Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept features a design language that Volkswagen’s head of design Andreas Mindt calls ‘Pure Positive’, and the concept gets a 3D light signature and a sculpted front end, giving you the impression that the car is smiling. The dimensions of the ID. Cross Concept are similar to that of the current T-Cross, and the example pictured here wears a ‘Jungle Green’ colour scheme. The concept gets 21-inch ‘Balboa’ alloy wheels and 235/40 R21 tyres which continue the design of the alloy wheel onto the tyre sidewall. The C-pillar pays homage to iconic Volkswagens like the Golf and the Volkswagen Bus, and the compact SUV gets a connected tail lamp at the rear with the illuminated Volkswagen logo nestled within.

Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept interior

Step inside the ID. Cross Concept and you’re greeted by an interior that is claimed to offer a feel-good environment. Like most concept cars, the layout of the cabin is minimalist and the layered dashboard is largely devoid of buttons, though there are physical switches present for the climate control. The interior gets a ‘Vanilla Chai’ colour scheme (a warm shade of beige) and the 13-inch infotainment screen gets plant motifs. Also present on the ID. Cross is an 11-inch digital instrument cluster behind the two-spoke steering wheel. Interestingly, the seats are designed to be able to fold completely down, to create a reclining area in the style of a Volkswagen Bus. The ID. Cross Concept comes with a 450-litre boot, and you also get a 25-litre storage compartment under the bonnet.

Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept powertrain

The ID. Cross is based on the MEB modular electric drive matrix and this platform will receive continual updates in the future. The Volkswagen gets two central modules – the electric drive motor which includes the power electronics and is integrated into the front axle, and the high-voltage battery which is placed flat in the sandwich floor. The electric motor produces a power output of 208bhp (155kW), and Volkswagen claims the ID. Cross Concept should deliver a WLTP range of up to 420km.

The Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept was unveiled at the IAA Mobility motor show and it will go on sale in production form as the ID. Cross in 2026, being sold alongside the ICE-powered T-Cross compact SUV in global markets. However, it is unlikely that this electric compact SUV will be offered in India.