Volkswagen has once again set the tone for the future of electric mobility with the world premiere of the ID. CROSS Concept at the IAA Mobility in Munich 2025. Positioned as a compact electric SUV, the ID. CROSS Concept is designed to balance affordability with innovation, providing both city efficiency and long-distance comfort. As Volkswagen prepares for its ambitious entry-level electric campaign, the ID. CROSS Concept represents a major leap forward in design, technology, and usability.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, encapsulated the vision behind this new chapter: "From the very beginning, my goal was to shape the best version of the Volkswagen brand of all time. 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."
Design Philosophy: Pure Positive
The ID. CROSS Concept follows Volkswagen’s new design language, called "Pure Positive", a philosophy that builds on three cornerstones: stability, likeability, and secret sauce. Head of Design Andreas Mindt emphasizes that this language will define every future Volkswagen vehicle.
With pure clarity, bold surfaces, and stability in proportions, the ID. CROSS Concept reflects a vehicle personality that is both approachable and confident. The design is not about following trends—it is about setting them. Volkswagen deliberately nods to its icons, such as the Golf and VW Bus, in elements like the straight window line and charismatic C-pillars. These subtle connections to Volkswagen’s heritage add a dash of the brand’s unmistakable "secret sauce."
What stands out most about the ID. CROSS Concept is its "smiling" personality, conveyed through the 3D light signature at the front and rear. This unique visual identity ensures the car is instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen, but also as a symbol of optimism and approachability in electric mobility.
Exterior: Compact Yet Striking
The ID. CROSS Concept is finished in a vibrant Urban Jungle green, reflecting its balance between urban practicality and adventurous spirit. Its dimensions are:
- Length: 4,161 mm
- Width: 1,839 mm
- Height: 1,588 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,601 mm
These proportions are close to Volkswagen’s existing T-Cross, making it compact enough for city driving while maintaining a presence that fits the SUV category. Adding flair to its exterior, Volkswagen has equipped the concept with 21-inch Balboa alloy wheels, designed specifically for the ID. CROSS Concept. In collaboration with Goodyear, the team also developed special 235/40 R21 tyres that extend the wheel’s design into the tyre sidewall, enhancing the SUV’s futuristic aesthetic.
The ID. CROSS Concept may be compact, but it makes a bold visual statement. Its balance of proportions, bold stance, and refined design place it as a trendsetter in the compact electric SUV segment.
Interior: A Lounge-Style Oasis
Inside, Volkswagen has redefined what a compact SUV interior can feel like. The ID. CROSS Concept is conceived as a feel-good oasis, prioritizing comfort, space, and ambience. Key highlights include:
- Material quality: The cabin features fabric-covered surfaces and premium finishes that elevate tactile experience.
- Atmospheres: Pre-configured light, sound, and climate modes transform the interior into a relaxing lounge, customized to the driver’s mood.
- Colors: A soothing Vanilla Chai beige color palette creates a warm and welcoming environment.
- Green details: Plant motifs on digital screens and even real plants integrated into the floating center console reinforce the natural, positive design theme.
The cabin layout is spacious thanks to the innovative design package, with a boot volume of 450 liters plus an additional 25-liter frunk. The wide stance and airy design enhance the feeling of openness. The seats, specially designed for the concept, can fold completely flat, transforming the cabin into a reclining space reminiscent of a VW Bus—a perfect setting for road trips or moments of rest.
Technology: Intuitive and User-Centric
The ID. CROSS Concept introduces a new cockpit landscape built around ergonomics and intuitive operation. Volkswagen has harmonized displays, natural voice control, and physical buttons for essential functions.
- Digital instruments: 11-inch (28 cm) driver display.
- Infotainment: 13-inch (33 cm) central touchscreen.
- Steering wheel: A redesigned multifunction unit with clear button controls.
Together, these elements create a seamless interface between driver and vehicle. The integration of natural voice commands and simplified menu structures ensures drivers can focus on the road while still enjoying advanced functionality.
Specs and Performance
Under the skin, the ID. CROSS Concept is powered by Volkswagen’s evolving MEB+ platform, the next generation of the company’s modular electric drive matrix. This platform introduces improvements in engines, batteries, and software, allowing Volkswagen to offer better performance and efficiency at affordable prices.
The technical highlights of the ID. CROSS Concept include:
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Motor power: 155 kW (211 PS)
- Range: Up to 420 km (WLTP)
- Top speed: 175 km/h
- Battery placement: Flat in the sandwich floor for optimized space
- Trailer capability: Up to 1,200 kg (braked, 8% gradient)
- Drawbar load: 75 kg (sufficient for carrying two e-bikes)
These specifications highlight the ID. CROSS Concept’s dual role as both a practical urban vehicle and a versatile lifestyle companion. With its range and towing capacity, it appeals to commuters, families, and adventure seekers alike.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety and driver assistance remain central to Volkswagen’s vision for the ID. CROSS Concept. The upcoming MEB+ platform will introduce a new software generation that enhances safety and convenience systems. Among these will be the further-developed Travel Assist, previously only seen in higher vehicle classes.
By incorporating advanced safety technologies into an entry-level electric SUV, Volkswagen ensures that customers no longer have to compromise between affordability and modern driver assistance features. This democratization of advanced safety tech strengthens Volkswagen’s leadership in making electric mobility both accessible and secure.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen ID. CROSS Concept is more than just a compact electric SUV — it is a statement of intent. With its Pure Positive design philosophy, spacious and lounge-like interior, intuitive technology, and MEB+ underpinnings, it represents the future of accessible, desirable electric mobility. Compact enough for the city yet versatile enough for family life and adventure, the ID. CROSS Concept bridges practicality and aspiration.
By 2026, when the production version rolls out, Volkswagen will not only have expanded its EV lineup but will also have redefined expectations in the entry-level segment. The ID. CROSS Concept demonstrates that affordability does not mean compromise — it means opening the door for more people to embrace sustainable, joyful driving.
In doing so, Volkswagen strengthens its position as Europe’s leading supplier of electric cars and sets a new benchmark for the industry. The ID. CROSS Concept is proof that electric mobility can be pure, positive, and unmistakably Volkswagen.
