On a crisp September morning at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, the spotlight fell on a car designed not only to turn heads but to change perceptions of what affordable electric mobility can look like. Volkswagen, Europe’s largest supplier of electric cars, unveiled the ID. CROSS Concept – a compact SUV that embodies style, sustainability, and everyday practicality.
The presentation was more than a model launch. It was a declaration of intent. As Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, put it:
“From the very beginning, my goal was to shape the best version of the Volkswagen brand of all time. The near-production ID. CROSS demonstrates that we are now truly delivering – with a new design, technologies once reserved for higher classes, improved quality, and at last, again the ‘right’ name.”
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Pure Positive: A Design Language for Tomorrow
Volkswagen’s ID. CROSS is not just another SUV – it’s the flagship of a new design philosophy known as “Pure Positive.” Developed by VW’s Head of Design, Andreas Mindt, this language is built on three cornerstones: stability, likeability, and secret sauce.
At first glance, the car radiates charisma. Its Urban Jungle green body contrasts against dark “floating roof” pillars that give the impression of a hovering canopy. A tribute to Volkswagen’s heritage is woven throughout: the C-pillars echo the Golf’s strength, while louvres inspired by the iconic VW Bus connect the SUV to a legacy of freedom and mobility.
Up front, the ID. CROSS wears its identity boldly. The illuminated VW logo sits at the center of a full-width LED strip, flanked by matrix headlights that resemble expressive eyes. At the rear, a 3D light signature creates an unforgettable visual presence. This is Volkswagen’s new face – approachable, instantly recognizable, and destined to become iconic.
Compact Dimensions, Expansive Space
Measuring 4,161 mm long, 1,839 mm wide, and 1,588 mm high, the ID. CROSS fits neatly into tight city streets, rivaling today’s T-Cross in size. But thanks to clever engineering on the MEB+ modular platform, space inside is anything but compact.
Step into the cabin and you’re welcomed into an oasis of calm. The interior is draped in Vanilla Chai bouclé fabric, a textile more at home in haute couture than in an SUV. Plant motifs on the digital displays, real eucalyptus leaves in the floating center console, and customizable light, sound, and climate “Atmospheres” create a lounge-like ambiance.
Seats fold completely flat, transforming the cabin into a reclining lounge reminiscent of the VW Bus – a nod to nostalgia paired with modern versatility. With a 450-liter boot and an additional 25-liter frunk, the ID. CROSS is as practical for families and road trips as it is stylish.
Smart, Human-Centered Technology
Volkswagen has reimagined the driving experience by blending intuitive technology with everyday human behavior. Place your smartphone face down in the charging cradle, and the car automatically switches to “calm status” – minimizing displays, leaving only essential driving information visible, and surrounding you with nature-inspired graphics that adapt to the time of day and weather.
Two digital displays – an 11-inch instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment screen – sit on a shared visual axis, while natural voice controls and tactile buttons ensure functionality never feels overwhelming. The upgraded ID. Light system now stretches across the dash and into the doors, offering intuitive signals for navigation, safety, and communication.
Power Meets Practicality
Under its sculpted skin, the ID. CROSS Concept rides on Volkswagen’s evolving MEB+ platform. It features a 155 kW (211 PS) front-mounted electric motor, paired with a flat battery integrated into the floor. The result is a projected range of up to 420 km (WLTP) and a top speed of 175 km/h.
But practicality isn’t sacrificed for performance. The SUV can tow up to 1,200 kg and supports a drawbar load of 75 kg, making it perfect for transporting e-bikes or small trailers. This balance of efficiency, capability, and affordability positions the ID. CROSS as a true all-rounder for urban families and adventure seekers alike.
The Road Ahead: From Concept to Reality
The ID. CROSS Concept is more than an experiment. It’s a preview of a production vehicle set to debut in summer 2026, joining Volkswagen’s expanding ID. lineup that includes the ID.2all, ID. GTI Concept, and ID. EVERY1. Together, these models form Volkswagen’s entry-level electric campaign, designed to make e-mobility accessible to millions.
For Volkswagen, the ID. CROSS is not just another SUV. It’s a promise kept – a compact electric car that embodies design excellence, human-centered technology, and affordability. It stands as proof that the future of driving can be stylish, sustainable, and within reach.
Final Thoughts
With the unveiling of the ID. CROSS Concept, Volkswagen has reasserted itself as a leader in democratizing electric mobility. This isn’t a luxury EV meant only for a privileged few – it’s an electric SUV for the people, blending heritage, innovation, and affordability into one compelling package.
At IAA 2025, Volkswagen didn’t just showcase a car. They showcased a vision – one where design inspires, technology serves, and sustainability is no longer a premium but a standard.
