Volkswagen has once again turned heads with the unveiling of the ID. CROSS Concept at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. Positioned just above the Taos in size, the Volkswagen ID. CROSS promises an affordable, practical, and surprisingly versatile electric compact SUV. What sets it apart isn’t just that it’s electric; it’s how VW infuses real comfort, design innovation, and functionality in a segment that often sacrifices those for price. Let’s dive into the Volkswagen ID. CROSS Concept features!
What Is the ID. CROSS Concept?
The ID. CROSS is nearly production-ready, built on VW’s evolved modular electric architecture, MEB+, which is designed to be more efficient, more flexible, and more affordable than previous generations. It’s front-wheel-drive and aims to slot into Europe’s small-to-compact EV crossover market in summer 2026. Volkswagen has not confirmed any official plans for a US version of the ID. CROSS, and some sources mention that it will be a Europe-only vehicle.
Design, Dimensions & Practicality
The ID. Cross Concept introduces Volkswagen’s new “Pure Positive” design language, emphasizing clarity and visual stability. The vehicle measures 4,161 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height and has a 2,601 mm wheelbase, placing it roughly in T-Cross territory while offering a more spacious interior thanks to its width and flat-floor packaging. Boot capacity is generous for its size: 450 liters in the rear, plus an additional 25 liters in a frunk under the bonnet. Ergonomically, it balances city-friendly proportions with family usability: wide doors, straight window lines, short overhangs, and design touches like C-pillars that give it a larger-than-its-dimensions feel.
Interior Comfort & The Bed-Mode Seats
Inside, Volkswagen has leaned heavily into making the ID. CROSS a space you’ll want to spend time in. Materials are soft, with fabric surfaces everywhere, in a warm “Vanilla Chai” shade, accented by plant motifs and ambient lighting. The seats are a highlight: they fold flat completely to form a platform for reclining or even napping, a “bed-mode” style feature that nods to VW’s heritage of relaxed interiors. There are preconfigured “Atmospheres” (lighting, climate, and sound) to set moods like Relax, which, combined with tactile materials, physical buttons, and well-placed displays, aid both comfort and usability.
Power, Range & Performance
Under the sheet metal, the ID. CROSS is built on VW’s upgraded modular EV architecture, MEB+, with a front-wheel drive layout. The motor is rated at 155 kW for decent performance. The estimated WLTP range is 420 km, while the top speed is around 175 km/h. It includes a useful utility: a trailer-towing capability of up to 1,200 kg and a ball coupling rated for 75 kg, enough for hauling two e-bikes.
Technology, UX & Lounge-Like Ambience
The tech layout is intuitive and human-centered: an 11-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen on the dash, aligned on the same visual axis to reduce distraction. The interface mix includes thoughtful physical buttons for key functions, voice control (“natural voice control”), and well-designed steering wheel controls. Ambience is strong: warm tones, plant details in the floating center console, and “Atmospheres” preset modes that adjust light, sound, and climate to match mood or situation. All of these features aim to make the cabin feel more like a relaxing lounge than merely an EV cockpit.
Why It Matters
If VW delivers the ID. CROSS, close to this concept’s specification at an affordable price, it could strengthen its offering in the increasingly competitive entry for the compact EV segment. As more automakers aim to offer EVs down into lower price brackets, including challengers from China, etc., having a competitive compact crossover is essential. The ID. CROSS could define VW’s success in that battleground segment.
