by Premiere at IAA Mobility 2025
Volkswagen impressed the public at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich by presenting three new electric cars at once. The ID. Polo (formerly known as ID.2) and ID. Polo GTI had already been shown, but the third model is an even bigger event. This is the ID. Cross concept, which provides a glimpse of a future production SUV with high sales potential.
The name Cross indicates that this compact model is the electric equivalent of the existing ICE-powered T-Cross crossover, although the only thing they share is the name. The ID. Cross is part of the family of future small electric vehicles built on the new front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform.
This family also includes the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, both expected in showrooms in 2026, as well as the production version of the ID. Every1 concept presented earlier this year, which may be named ID. Up after its launch in 2027.
Design and Dimensions
Despite an almost identical wheelbase of 2601 mm (102.4 inches) to the ID. Polo (the hatchback’s is 1 mm shorter), the length of the ID. Cross is 4161 mm (163.8 inches), which is 108 mm (4.3 inches) longer, and the height is 58 mm (2.3 inches) taller. The rear trunk offers 490 liters (17.3 cubic feet) of space, plus there is a front compartment with a volume of 25 liters (0.9 cubic feet), which is unique to ID models.
The stylish but conservatively styled Polo also lacks some of the bold and modern design details of the Cross. These include the front lighting with LED elements, which VW describes as “friendly,” as well as three illuminated rectangles on the black C-pillar, a nod to the ID. Buzz and the original Bus.
Black plastic cladding emphasizes the wheel arches, which are raised high, and the 21-inch wheels are shod with special Continental tires that continue the wheel pattern onto the sidewall. This is an original visual touch, albeit impractical and hard to perceive in real life.
A Cozy Interior with Physical Buttons
The interior clearly features traits of the ID2.all concept, which announced the ID. Polo back in 2023 (VW has not yet published interior photos of the ID. Polo). An 11-inch digital instrument panel is located behind a massive two-spoke steering wheel, and a larger 13-inch touchscreen is installed on the center console.
Fortunately, VW has listened to criticism of its previous models, and a block of physical buttons is located below, so adjusting the cabin temperature doesn’t require touching virtual buttons. There is also a small rotary controller on the console, similar to iDrive.
If you don’t want to be overwhelmed by digital information, simply flip your smartphone screen down on the wireless charging station. After that, the displays switch to a “calm mode,” showing only essential information.
This is not the only way the ID. Cross designers tried to create a relaxing environment. The lighting, fabric-upholstered surfaces, and the beige color of the concept’s interior are designed to calm passengers, inspired by Parisian haute couture and premium furniture.
For full horizontal relaxation, the front and rear seats fold down completely, so you can sleep in the back, like in a classic VW Bus, albeit with less space. For maximum comfort, the seat backs are trimmed with a material that Volkswagen compares to a comfortable yoga mat.
Powertrain and Range
The German automaker has already confirmed two battery options for the Polo, but details about the Cross’s battery remain unknown, except that the range is 261 miles (420 km) according to the WLTP standard. A single front motor delivers 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) to the front wheels, which is slightly less than the 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) in the ID. Polo GTI, VW’s first electric GTI.
Officially, the ID. Cross is only a concept, but the production SUV, which will appear next summer, will be virtually identical. In fact, VW even notes that the door handles, which need to be pulled up, are ready for series production. And this should worry competitors, as VW has managed to implement the design of this electric car much better than in the ID.4 and ID.7 models.
Sales in the USA have not yet been confirmed, but the cost of the ID. Cross will be around £25,000/€28,000 after its launch at the end of 2026. Competitors will include electric crossovers such as the Kia EV2, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Ford Puma Gen-E, and Volvo EX30.
This model could become key for Volkswagen in the battle for the affordable electric vehicle market, especially in Europe. Given the growing competition and environmental requirements, the ID. Cross could attract those looking for a practical and stylish SUV with zero emissions. It is also important to note that Volkswagen has taken a step forward in improving the interior and functionality, which could positively impact the perception of the brand as a whole.
