Volkswagen ID Cross Electric SUV Unveiled: Starting at €28,000, Targets Renault 4 and Ford Puma

Volkswagen is rapidly expanding its all-electric lineup with the official debut of the new compact electric SUV — the ID Cross. Positioned as the electric successor to the T-Cross, it aims to capture the mainstream compact EV SUV segment with strong value-for-money appeal.

In a statement released on July 15, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, described the ID Cross as blending technical expertise, minimalist design, practical details, and genuine versatility — "delivering outstanding value" — and said it's poised to become one of the group's highest-volume electric models.

The ID Cross shares the Volkswagen Group's MEB Lite platform with the ID Polo, Cupra Raval, and Skoda Epiq. It will compete directly with Renault's new electric Renault 4 and Ford's Puma Gen-E. Unlike larger ID models such as the ID 3, the ID Cross features front-wheel drive — helping control costs while maximizing cabin space efficiency.

At 4.15 meters long — slightly longer than the T-Cross — the ID Cross leverages its dedicated EV architecture to seat five adults comfortably. Its trunk offers 475 liters of cargo volume, plus an additional 25-liter front trunk ideal for storing charging cables and other accessories.

Its design language carries forward Volkswagen's "Pure Positive" philosophy. Exterior styling draws inspiration from both the original Golf and the classic Microbus: a stretched "flying roof" silhouette and signature C-pillar shape enhance visual distinctiveness and contemporary appeal. Volkswagen emphasizes that the ID Cross targets current owners of the T-Cross, T-Roc, or Tiguan.

Three power outputs are available: entry-level (85 kW / 116 hp), mid-spec (99 kW / 135 hp), and top-spec (155 kW / 211 hp). Two battery options are offered: a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack (up to 316 km WLTP range) and a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery (up to 436 km WLTP range).

All variants support up to 90 kW DC fast charging; the larger battery version enables peak charging power of 105 kW. According to official figures, charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 23–24 minutes.

In response to user feedback on previous ID models' touch-centric interfaces, the ID Cross returns to physical controls — including dedicated HVAC knobs and a traditional volume dial. The cockpit features a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen. The instrument display offers a "retro mode," allowing users to switch to a circular gauge layout reminiscent of the original Golf.

Optional equipment includes 12-way power-adjustable seats with massage function, driver-seat memory, and a panoramic sunroof. Audio upgrades include a Harman Kardon 10-speaker system with subwoofer delivering 425 watts — underscoring the vehicle's focus on interior refinement.

For driver assistance, the ID Cross features the Connected Travel Assist system, which uses real-time online data to recognize traffic lights: it can automatically decelerate and come to a full stop when detecting a red light. It also supports one-pedal driving, enabling near-brake-free stops via regenerative braking.

The ID Cross is now open for pre-order and will begin arriving at dealers across Europe this autumn 2026, starting at €28,000. For reference, the platform-mate ID Polo is expected to start around €25,000.