by New ID. Cross Prototype Almost Without Camouflage
Spy photographers have managed to capture the smallest electric off-roader from Volkswagen practically without any masking – even with the VW logo. The shape of the new ID. Cross is quite obvious, but in Wolfsburg, they seem very keen for us to think it’s not an electric car at all.
The heavy “swirling” camouflage vinyl is gone. In its place is Volkswagen’s favorite optical illusion: silver and black tape applied to the radiator grille, headlights, and bumpers to mimic an older model with an internal combustion engine. But it doesn’t work. Beneath the tape, the precise contours of the ID. Cross concept shown a few months ago at the auto show in Munich are clearly visible.
Design Details and Technical Features
The doors of the production car are now almost completely open, without the previous cladding, although VW even tried to hide the black plastic trim at the bottom by covering it with body-colored tape. The C-pillar trim is also disguised, but only to hide the stylish inserts in the spirit of the ID. Buzz, which we know lie beneath it.
The shape hasn’t changed at all. The massive small nose, minimal overhangs, and compact rear end – all of this matches the concept almost panel for panel.
Even the light graphics are visible through the tape, and they look identical to the Munich show car, where VW’s new family face looks very clear. Although the interior is not visible in these latest shots, one can be sure it will also closely echo what was demonstrated in Munich.
Interior and Platform
This means an 11-inch rectangular digital instrument panel in front of the steering wheel and a much larger, 13-inch tablet-style touchscreen mounted above the console, with ChatGPT-based artificial intelligence. Under the hood, the ID. Cross shares the MEB platform and hardware with the new ID. Polo.
The Cross concept had a front motor with 208 hp, which is the most powerful of the three powertrains VW confirmed for the Polo EV this week. The other two options for the Polo develop 114 and 133 hp, and it can be assumed that at least the second one will also make it into the ID. Cross.
Possible Versions and Specifications
What about an ID. Cross GTI? It’s theoretically possible, as VW plans to later add a 223 hp motor to the Polo to create its first electric hot hatchback.
Volkswagen never confirmed the battery size for the concept but revealed a range of 261 miles. This aligns with the 280 miles VW claims for the lighter and more aerodynamic ID. Polo with a 52 kWh battery. The Polo will also be available with a 37 kWh battery, but VW may not offer it on the off-roader when it debuts in production form in 2026.
The appearance of an almost production-ready prototype indicates that the model’s development has entered the final stretch. The use of a shared platform with the ID. Polo should provide cost savings, potentially making this compact electric crossover one of the most accessible in the brand’s lineup. The emphasis on AI in the interior and the possibility of a powerful GTI version show that Volkswagen is trying to combine mass appeal and emotion in it, which has always been a difficult task for electric vehicles.
