by First photos of the Volkswagen ID.Cross electric crossover
Prototype first spotted on roads
The smallest Volkswagen electric off-roader has left the walls of the concept studio and hit public roads. Spy photographers took the first photos of the ID.Cross prototype, showing an early look at the subcompact electric vehicle that Volkswagen announced as a concept at the auto show in Munich in September. Despite the camouflage, the production version looks extremely similar to the original concept.
Design and dimensions
The car’s proportions almost completely replicate the concept. The ID.Cross has short overhangs, a rounded nose, and a slightly tapered rear end, corresponding to the “city” size idea. The production model is expected to be about 4160 mm long, making it shorter than the Taos for the American market and placing it in the center of the subcompact electric vehicle class.
Exterior and interior
The contours of the headlights and taillights look familiar from the Munich auto show, hinting at Volkswagen’s new family of LED panels. Although they are not visible through the camouflage, the three light rectangles embedded in the black body pillar of the concept also have a chance to appear in the production version. The concept’s interior, reminiscent of a mobile yoga studio, is unlikely to remain unchanged – don’t expect pastel lighting or textures inspired by Zen gardens in the base trims. However, the latest architecture of Volkswagen’s compact cabin with a larger infotainment screen and improved physical buttons will likely be used.
Technical specifications
The ID.Cross is built on the latest version of the MEB platform, adapted for the new generation of front-wheel-drive small electric vehicles, including the ID.Polo. The concept offered a single-motor setup with about 208 hp, which is a plausible target for the production version, although less powerful options are expected to improve affordability. Volkswagen did not name the battery size for the concept but stated a range of 261 miles according to the WLTP standard, which is a reliable indicator of the capabilities of the future model, which will debut next year.
Prospects for the US market
Sales in the US are not yet confirmed, but in Europe the ID.Cross will cost from approximately 28,000 euros, competing with other electric crossovers such as the Kia EV2, Toyota Urban Cruiser, as well as models from the Volkswagen Group – Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
The planned global debut of the ID.Cross next year could be a key moment for Volkswagen in the fight for market share among compact electric vehicles. Given the growing competition from Asian manufacturers, the success of this model could significantly impact the brand’s position in the European and potentially global segment. The integration of new technologies and maintaining an affordable price will be crucial factors for attracting buyers looking for a balanced option for urban and suburban use.
