Volkswagen just dropped a design-forward, budget-friendly electric SUV concept at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich—and it’s a promising glimpse of what EV accessibility could truly look like.
Highlights
- Name & premiere: The ID. CROSS Concept debuted at IAA 2025, touting its compact, crossover styling and positioning as the EV counterpart to the T-Cross.
- Target price: Volkswagen aims to price the production model between €28,000 and €30,000 (~$33,000–$35,000), making it one of the most affordable EVs in its class.
- Platform & specs: Built on the upgraded MEB Plus/Entry platform, the concept delivers 155 kW (208 hp), offers a 420 km (260 mi) WLTP range, 450 L of cargo space (plus a 25 L frunk), and features front-wheel drive with compact SUV proportions.
- Production plan: The vehicle is set to launch toward the end of 2026 as part of VW’s “Electric Urban Car Family,” alongside models like the ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq.
What’s the Big Picture Here?
Volkswagen is doubling down on making electric mobility attainable, not just aspirational. The ID. CROSS joins the ID. Polo in replacing abstract numeric names with familiar ones, tapping into brand heritage to draw in consumers who may be wary of EVs.
With key rivals—particularly from China—aggressively pricing small EVs, the ID. CROSS (and its family) positions VW to better compete in Europe’s budget EV race.
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Also, the simple, confident design rhetoric—described as “safe, bold, confident”—marks a pivot from the flashy to the friendly: smart design that welcomes more first-time EV buyers.
Why It Matters (Market Impact)
- Consumer reach: A sub-€30K crossover EV gives VW a powerful edge among city drivers and families seeking value and versatility.
- Portfolio clarity: The ID. CROSS rounds out VW’s accessible EV offering within the MEB-based “Urban Car Family,” filling a key niche between hatchbacks and larger SUVs.
- Strategic shift: Leaner, practical EVs signal VW’s response to both cost pressures in Europe and competition—while still aligning with its electrification goals.
FAQs
Q: When will the production model launch, and how much will it cost?
The ID. CROSS is expected to reach production by late 2026, priced at approximately €28,000–€30,000 ($33,000–$35,000).
Q: What are its technical highlights?
On the show floor, the concept showcased 155 kW front-wheel-drive power, a 420 km WLTP range, 450 L of cargo space, and a 25 L frunk—all on VW’s MEB Plus platform.
Q: How does this fit within VW’s broader EV strategy?
The ID. CROSS complements the upcoming ID. Polo and other entry-level EVs in VW’s “Electric Urban Car Family.” It’s part of a broader move to equip everyday drivers with affordable, practical EV options—leveraging nostalgia with nameplates like Polo and T-Cross.
Q: Will it be available outside Europe?
Nothing’s confirmed. The concept debuted in Europe, and no official U.S. plans have been announced yet.
Bottom Line
With the ID. CROSS Concept, Volkswagen is sending a clear message: electric SUVs don’t have to be luxury-priced. This compact, capable, and cost-conscious EV may well redefine what consumers expect from affordable electric mobility.
