Volkswagen presents the new ID. Cross. The all-electric compact SUV combines a stylish and powerful design, technologies from the luxury class and a well-thought-out overall concept in one vehicle. At an entry-level price of around 28,000 euros, the ID. Cross offers a level of quality, comfort and equipment that sets new standards in the small car and compact segment. This is reflected in the feel-good ambience in the interior, which was achieved through finely crafted materials, fabric-covered surfaces and high seating comfort. In addition, the new Innovision infotainment system ensures intuitive operation and networked functions, while technologies and assistance systems from higher vehicle classes, three output levels (85kW, 99kW and 155kW) and two battery sizes (37kWh and 52kWh net) will be available in future. With a range of up to 427km, the ID. Cross is suitable for everyday use and longer journeys.

Following the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, the ID. Cross belongs to a new generation of small cars and compact models, with which Volkswagen is focusing more consistently than ever on its strengths and the wishes of its customers. Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Head of the Brand Group Core and member of the Group Board of Management, said: “The ID. Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities – all for excellent value for money. These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen.”

The new ID. Cross is 4,153mm long, 1,581mm tall and 1,794mm wide, while the wheelbase is 2,601mm. Compared with the T-Cross model with the combustion engine, the ID. Cross scores points with more space for five passengers and their luggage. The ID. Cross offers 475 litres of stowage space – 20 litres more than the T-Cross. This is achieved above all with the help of an additional area under the variable boot floor, which offers space for up to two crates of drinks. In addition, the new electric SUV features an extra small luggage compartment (frunk) under the bonnet, which can hold a further 25 litres – an ideal place for the charging cable and small bits and bobs.

With its clear and timeless design, the ID. Cross sets new standards in the compact SUV segment. Volkswagen’s Pure Positive design language focuses above all on visual stability with a friendly appearance and striking details. Characteristic elements such as the elongated ‘flying roof’ and the strong C-pillar, as well as striking light signatures at the front and rear, characterise the unmistakable appearance. The lighting signatures are even more striking when the optional IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps and 3D LED rear lights with illuminated LED crossbars and illuminated VW logos are included in the specification. The clear design continues consistently in the interior: details such as the fabric-covered dash panel; elegant controls like the tactile, metallic outer edge on the audio controls in the centre console; and the pleasant feel of all buttons, controls, handles and surfaces create an inviting and friendly atmosphere.

In the new ID. Cross, the Digital Cockpit Pro – the digital instruments for the driver – and the infotainment display are clearly arranged on a horizontal line. The Digital Cockpit Pro has a diagonal of 26cm. If the driver activates the retro display using the view button on the multi-function steering wheel, the instruments from a Mk1 Golf appear in the digital cockpit. In this case, there is a classic speedometer on the left and a tacho on the right. In the ID. Cross, however, it does not display the speed of the engine, but rather the energy output or energy consumption of the drive as a power meter. Other modern functions such as the Dynamic Road Sign Display have also been integrated into the 1980s-inspired layout. The infotainment system touch display, located in the centre of the dash panel, measures 32.8cm across the diagonal and is as large as a premium tablet. The display is also easy to reach for the front passenger.

The latest stage in the evolution of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform is used in the ID. Cross: the MEB+. Its dynamic heart is the new electric motor of the APP290 drive system, which will be available in three output levels in the ID. Cross: 85kW, 99kW and 155kW. The battery is available in two sizes: 37kWh (net) and 52kWh (net). The maximum AC charging capacity at a domestic wall box or public charging stations is 11kW. The smaller battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in around 23 minutes at DC fast-charging points with a power output of up to 90kW. With the larger 52kWh version, charging from 10% to 80% takes place at up to 105kW – with a particularly steady charging curve – in around 24 minutes.

Thanks to MEB+ and the latest software, the ID. Cross comes with a range of cutting-edge assist systems as standard. Assist systems such as the next generation of Travel Assist will be additionally available as optional equipment. Since the system uses online data, it has been renamed Connected Travel Assist. The system now also responds to traffic lights for the first time – a first in this price range. If the new Connected Travel Assist detects a red traffic light, it can automatically brake the ID. Cross to a standstill, within the system’s limits. Another new feature is One Pedal Driving, which rapidly decelerates the SUV through regulation of the accelerator pedal alone. Smart parking aids that make manoeuvring even easier are also available:

For example, the 360-degree Area View provides a comprehensive bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, while Park Assist Pro* can, if desired, handle parking manoeuvres fully automatically – including the option to park the vehicle remotely via a smartphone.

Particular attention was paid to ride comfort and driving stability when developing the ID. Cross. The suspension specially tuned for the electric front-wheel drive combines precise and safe handling with high long-distance comfort. High-quality dampers, comfort-optimised suspension components and numerous measures to reduce noise and vibrations ensure a pleasantly quiet driving experience. In addition, there is direct steering response and a finely tuned brake system that impresses with a natural pedal feel. A newly developed adaptive DCC suspension will be available as an option for the more powerful variant (155kW). It has been specially adapted to the requirements of the ID. Cross and combines high precision with agility and suitability for everyday use. By continuously adjusting the damping to the road surface and driving situation, the system offers a particularly well-balanced driving experience – from comfortable travel to a more dynamic driving style.

The trim levels of the new ID. Cross at a glance:

Trend – basic version with standard DC fast-charging function. The fact that the new ID. Cross is in a class of its own thanks to its features is particularly evident in the interior, where it can be both felt and seen in the attention to detail, the quality of the materials used and the design. Both analogue and digital controls are intuitive to use; furthermore, all the materials used – regardless of the trim level – are of high quality in terms of both appearance and feel. In addition, even the basic version, the ID. Cross Trend, comes as standard with a 90kW DC fast charging function.

Life and Style – two levels of customisation. Anyone wishing to further enhance their comfort on board can do so, as a first step, by choosing the Life and Style trim levels. The ID. Cross Life comes equipped with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a rear-view camera, as well as a junction assistant, for its new owners. The elegant top-of-the-range model – the ID. Cross Style – also comes as standard with features such as the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps with an illuminated LED light strip, 3D LED rear lights, illuminated VW logos at the front and rear, heated seats and steering wheel, personalised interior trim and the keyless start and locking system.

The ID. Cross will be available with optional equipment that isn’t available in either the MQB-based T-Cross or several of its competitors in this class. This includes, for example, a high-end sound system from Harman Kardon with 425 Watts of power, 10 loudspeakers – including a centre speaker for clear voice transmission – and a subwoofer. One new feature that isn’t found anywhere else in this segment is the pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats. Users can choose from three massage programmes – a luxury-class feature for a compact-class car. The electrically adjustable driver seat is also equipped with a memory function. Sunlight or starlight floods into the interior through a 74 x 90cm panoramic roof, which extends well into the rear of the vehicle. The interior can be darkened at will using an electric sunblind.

The ID. Cross’s versatility is enhanced by the vehicle-to-load function for charging and other devices at a power output of up to 3.6kW. For example, anyone taking their e-bikes with them on a weekend trip – thanks to a plug-in tow bar with a 75kg drawbar load – can recharge them using a Schuko plug adapter from Volkswagen Accessories (optional), connected externally via the SUV’s charging socket. The new ID. Cross, with its 52kWh battery, will be able to tow trailers with a gross weight of up to 1,200kg – meaning nothing stands in the way of a holiday trip with a small caravan, a boat or motorbikes.

Customers in some markets can already configure and order the ID. Cross in the Life and Style trim levels with 155kW in combination with the 52kWh battery. Prices start at 36,525 euros. The basic version Trend (with 85kW and 37kWh battery) from 27,995 euros, as well as other drive and equipment variants, will follow soon.