Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Cross concept at IAA Mobility 2025, a near-production compact SUV positioned as the affordable entry to its ID. line and sized close to today’s T-Cross.
The brand said the concept previewed a production model due to have its own world premiere in summer 2026 as part of a four-car small-EV push from 2026 onwards.
Built on the updated MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, the ID. Cross used a 155kW motor and targeted up to 420km WLTP. Top speed was quoted at 175kph.
At 4,161mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 1,839mm wide and 1,588mm tall, it broadly matched the T-Cross footprint. Packaging figures included a 450-litre boot plus a 25-litre frunk, while towing capacity was listed at up to 1,200kg (braked, 8% gradient) with a 75kg drawbar load.
Volkswagen highlighted MEB+ upgrades arriving with a new software generation from next year, bringing functions previously reserved for higher segments (such as an evolved Travel Assist) to help meet price targets for Europe’s entry-level EV segment.
The ID. Cross programme sat alongside the ID. Polo (production version of the ID.2all) due for world premiere in the first half of 2026 and a subsequent ID. Polo GTI, while a production ID. Every1 was flagged as a 2027 highlight.
Design chief Andreas Mindt described a new “Pure Positive” design language, with references to brand icons such as the Golf and VW Bus. Show-car cues included 21-inch “Balboa” alloys with Goodyear tyres whose sidewall graphics extended the wheel design.
The cabin adopted a lounge-style brief in a “Vanilla Chai” colourway with fabric-covered surfaces, configurable light/sound/climate “Atmospheres”, and fully reclining seats.
The cockpit used 11-inch instruments and a 13-inch central display with a revised multifunction steering wheel.
The concept’s brief emphasised big-car space in a small footprint, pitched as suitable for families and longer trips despite city-friendly dimensions.
Volkswagen positioned the ID. Cross within a cross-brand small-EV campaign for Europe (with SEAT/Cupra, Škoda and VWCV) to leverage scale for technical and price competitiveness.
