The VW ID. CROSS Concept Could Be the Affordable Electric SUV Everyone Has Been Waiting For

• The Volkswagen ID. CROSS Concept could be your future compact electric SUV with 420 km (260 mi) range and a price under €30,000 ($35,100).
• Fold the seats flat and the ID. CROSS interior flips into a VW Bus-style lounge perfect for car camping vibes.
• With 21-inch Balboa wheels and a smiley light signature, this electric SUV is already turning heads before launch in 2026.

When I first saw photos of the ID. CROSS Concept in Munich, I had to look twice. Those lights, front and rear, almost grin like the car knows something you do not. Volkswagen, crowned Europe’s EV sales leader in 2025, introduced this compact electric SUV at IAA MOBILITY (September 8-14) as part of a fresh wave of small, budget-friendly EVs preparing to arrive soon.

They gave it some punch with Urban Jungle green paint, 21-inch Balboa wheels, and Goodyear tires that mirror the rim design right into the sidewall.

“From the very beginning, my goal was to shape the best version of the Volkswagen brand of all time,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Head of the Brand Group Core and member of the Group Board of Management.

“The near-production concept car of the future ID. CROSS demonstrates that we are now truly delivering – with a new design, many technologies only seen in higher classes previously, improved operability and quality – and, at last, again the ‘right’ name. With this new Volkswagen generation, we are now delivering on our promises”.

The statement carries weight, but the numbers do not disappoint. You are looking at 155 kW of output, roughly 208 horsepower, combined with a WLTP-rated driving range of 420 kilometers (261 miles)

Built on the MEB+ platform, Volkswagen’s next phase of electric architecture, this concept also delivers practical muscle. With a towing capacity of 1,200 kilograms and a 75-kilogram drawbar limit, hauling two e-bikes is comfortably within reach.

Inside feels more like a lounge than a car. The Vanilla Chai beige interior sets a warm tone, with fabric surfaces you actually want to touch. Plant motifs light up the screens, while the floating center console holds real greenery for a natural touch that grabs attention on social feeds.

A special “Relax mode” kicks in when you place your phone face-down in its cradle, letting the dashboard ease into calm. Park the car, fold the seats flat, and you have a VW-bus-style space ready for casual car camping.

Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s Design Chief, described the approach as “Pure Positive,” built on three pillars: stability, likeability, and what he calls the secret sauce. You can spot subtle callbacks to VW icons in the C-pillars, the straight window line, and those hints of Golf and Bus DNA. All combined, the look feels familiar yet fresh. Solid lines, a smiling light signature, and a personality that almost greets you.

The ID. CROSS Concept is part of a four-car lineup that also includes the ID. Polo (based on the ID. 2), the sportier ID Polo GTI, and the ID EVERY1. These models are expected to reach showrooms starting in 2026. The production version of the ID CROSS planned for summer that year.

All of this ties into Volkswagen’s Brand Group Core strategy with SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The group is combining resources and technology to bring more affordable electric cars to Europe.

Expect pricing in the range of €28,000 to €30,000 (about USD $32,800 to $35,100). That positions it well as a feature-packed, spacious five-seater that fits into T-Cross-sized parking spaces at 4161 mm long and 1839 mm wide. It still provides a 450-liter boot along with a 25-liter frunk.

SOURCE | IMAGES: VOLKSWAGEN

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.