Volkswagen unveils the ID. Cross, a more affordable electric SUV
Volkswagen has just lifted the wraps off the ID. Cross, a new all-electric compact SUV that slots in below the VW ID.4 and brings a much lower starting price with it.
At a glance
- New all-electric compact SUV, positioned below the ID.4 and above the ID. Polo
- German prices start from 27,995 euros for the entry-level Trend version (not yet available to order)
- Up to 427km WLTP range on the larger 52kWh battery
- 10 to 80 per cent DC fast charging in around 23 to 24 minutes depending on battery size
- Standard features include traffic light recognition for Connected Travel Assist, a first for this segment
- Advance orders are open in Germany now, UK pricing and specification still to be confirmed
Unveiled on 15 July, the ID. Cross is built to compete in the small SUV segment currently held by the petrol-powered T-Cross, but with a fully electric drivetrain and, according to Volkswagen, a genuinely premium feel inside. It's the latest in a run of smaller, more affordable EVs from the brand, following on from the ID. Polo earlier this year.
A proper SUV, but compact
At 4,153mm long, the ID. Cross is a similar size to the T-Cross, but Volkswagen has used the extra space that comes with an EV platform to good effect. Boot space comes in at 475 litres, plus a small 25 litre "frunk" under the bonnet for cables, and there's room under the boot floor for a couple of crates. It's a five seater, and Volkswagen is pitching it as a proper family car rather than a city runaround.
Inside, the focus is on the sort of material quality and finish you'd usually expect further up the range. Fabric-covered surfaces, tactile controls and a 12.9 inch infotainment screen sit alongside a 10.25 inch digital driver display. There's even a nod to the past, with a retro instrument mode that mimics the dials from a Mk1 Golf, though it still shows power output rather than engine revs.
Power, batteries and range
The ID. Cross will be offered with three power outputs, 85kW, 99kW and 155kW, and two battery options, a 37kWh and a 52kWh net capacity. Volkswagen quotes a maximum WLTP range of up to 427 kilometres (around 265 miles) on the larger battery, though actual range will depend on the version, driving style and conditions, as with any EV.
Charging is reasonably swift too. The smaller battery can go from 10 to 80 per cent in about 23 minutes on a fast charger, and the larger one in around 24 minutes despite the bigger capacity, thanks to a steadier charging curve.
Tech usually reserved for pricier models
One of the more interesting parts of this launch is what Volkswagen is including as standard or optional on a car pitched at this price point. Connected Travel Assist can now recognise traffic lights and bring the car to a stop at red lights within its limits, which is a first for this segment. There's also One Pedal Driving, a 360 degree parking camera, and an optional Park Assist Pro system that can park the car for you, including remotely via a phone.
Other options feel more like they've been borrowed from Volkswagen's higher end models, including a 425 watt Harman Kardon sound system and a massage function for the front seats, something you don't often see below the mid-size SUV class.
Trim levels and pricing
In Germany, the ID. Cross will be offered in three trims: Trend, Life and Style. Trend is the entry point and still comes with standard 90kW DC fast charging. Life adds things like 18 inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control, while Style tops the range with matrix LED headlights, heated seats and a keyless entry system.
Volkswagen has confirmed a starting price of 27,995 euros for the entry-level Trend version, though that variant isn't available to order just yet. Right now, advance orders are open in Germany for the Life and Style trims with the 155kW motor and 52kWh battery, priced from 36,525 euros. It's worth noting these are German market prices, and UK specification and pricing haven't been confirmed yet.
What this means if you're thinking about going electric
The ID. Cross looks like a solid step for anyone who wants an EV without stepping up to a larger, pricier SUV, and it's a sign that genuinely well-equipped small electric SUVs are becoming more mainstream rather than a compromise. We'll be keeping an eye on UK pricing and specification as it's confirmed, and as always, once the ID. Cross is available to lease through DriveElectric, we'll have the full details and our own honest take on where it sits against the rest of the market.