Volkswagen’s affordable electric SUV spotted undisguised [Video]

Volkswagen is preparing to introduce a new entry-level electric SUV to sit below the ID.4. With its launch coming up, the ID. Cross was spotted testing undisguised.

The Volkswagen ID. Cross is an affordable EV SUV

A new generation of Volkswagen EVs is arriving this year, including pure-electric versions of some of its top-selling models, such as the Polo and T-Cross.

After the ID. Polo, which launched in Europe last month, Volkswagen is set to introduce the ID. Cross this summer.

The ID. Cross is essentially the EV alternative to the T-Cross, Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV in Europe. We got our first look at the entry-level electric SUV at the Munich Motor Show in September after Volkswagen showcased the ID. Cross Concept.

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Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s design boss, said the new design is based on three cornerstones: stability, likeability, and what he calls the “secret sauce,” which will be featured on all upcoming entry-level EVs.

The German automaker went back to its roots, drawing on design elements from some of its most popular nameplates of all time, such as the Golf and the Minibus, to create the all-new look.

With a length of 4,161 mm, a width of 1,839 mm, and a height of 1,588 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,601, the more affordable electric SUV is about the size of the current Volkswagen T-Cross.

While it’s still a compact SUV, Mindt promises it will feel bigger when you get in as an “all-rounder” with 475 liters of cargo space, 20 liters more than the T-Cross. And that’s not even including the additional 22-liter front trunk (frunk).

The interior is based on Volkswagen’s latest design, set to debut in its upcoming entry-level models, featuring a 13″ central infotainment screen and an 11″ driver display.

Volkswagen announced last month that the ID. Cross will be available with two battery packs: a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), providing a WLTP range of up to 436 km (271 miles). It will be based on the same MEB+ platform as the ID. Polo with three power levels: 85 kW (114 hp), 99 kW (132 hp), and 155 kW (207 hp).

It will be available in the following drive and battery combinations:

• ID. Cross Trend:
  standard with 85 kW (114 hp) and 37‑kWh battery
• ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style:
  standard with 99 kW (132 hp) and 37‑kWh battery
• ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style:
• optional with 155 kW (207 hp) and 52‑kWh battery

With DC charging of up to 90 kW, recharging from 10% to 80% is expected to take about 27 minutes for the 37 kWh battery variant. The 52 kWh battery, with 105 kW DC charging, takes around 24 minutes.

The 52 kWh battery version will be able to tow trailers weighing up to 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) up an 8% gradient, making it ideal for small boats, motorcycles, and more.

With the ID. Cross, now in its final stages of testing ahead of its official launch in autumn 2026, we are getting a closer look at the entry-level electric SUV.

As we’ve seen from past spy shots, the production version will remain nearly identical to the ID. Cross Concept (despite VW’s best attempt to hide it).

A new video from CarSpyMedia offers a closer look at the new model during winter testing. While it’s still a prototype, you can see the design coming together ahead of its upcoming debut this summer.

According to Volkswagen, the ID. Cross will start at around €28,000 ($32,500), positioned below the ID.4 in Volkswagen’s lineup.

Recent images posted on CocheSpias show leaked images of the electric SUV staged in what appears to be a promotional video. You can see the “ID. Cross” banner and video production equipment in the background.

Starting with the ID.3 Neo and ID. Polo, Volkswagen is introducing a new naming system for future electric vehicles. The new EVs bring back physical buttons and other convenience features based on customer feedback, along with longer driving ranges, faster charging, and smarter tech, as VW looks to win back buyers.

The ID. Cross will make its official debut this summer, with sales set to begin in Europe in autumn 2026. With the new ID. Polo starting at €25,000 ($29,000), €28,000 ($32,500) for the ID. Cross seems about right.

For those in the US, Volkswagen has not confirmed whether or not it will launch the ID. Cross. Given that it’s designed for European buyers and the current T-Cross isn’t sold in the US, don’t get your hopes up.