Volkswagen reveals ID. Cross electric SUV with 427km range

Volkswagen has revealed the ID. Cross, a compact electric vehicle (EV) SUV positioned below the ID.4 and aimed at bringing battery-powered motoring to a wider audience. European orders are now open, with entry-level variants priced from €27,995 (approximately NZ$55,000), rising to €36,525 for higher-specification models.

New Zealand availability and local pricing have not yet been confirmed by Volkswagen.

Platform and practicality

The ID. Cross measures 4153mm in length, placing it in similar territory to Volkswagen’s petrol-powered T-Cross. The brand says its dedicated MEB+ electric platform allows for better use of interior space, with the five-seat SUV offering 475 litres of boot space, around 20 litres more than the T-Cross, along with a 25-litre front storage compartment intended for charging cables and smaller items.

Volkswagen says the ID. Cross adopts its latest “Pure Positive” design language, featuring a strong C-pillar, a floating roof effect and distinctive LED lighting signatures. Higher-specification models can be equipped with IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, illuminated Volkswagen logos and full-width front and rear light bars.

Interior and technology

Inside, the ID. Cross features a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display and a 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen running Volkswagen’s latest software. One notable addition is a retro display mode that recreates the instrument layout of the original Mk1 Golf, substituting the traditional tachometer with an EV power meter.

Optional premium features include electrically adjustable massage seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic glass roof and adaptive suspension.

Power, range and charging

The ID. Cross is powered by Volkswagen’s latest-generation APP290 front-mounted electric motor, offered in three outputs: 85kW, 99kW and 155kW. Two battery options are available, a 37kWh pack and a 52kWh pack, with the larger delivering a claimed WLTP range of up to 427km.

The smaller battery supports DC fast charging at up to 90kW, while the larger pack increases this to 105kW. Both can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 23 to 24 minutes. AC charging is rated at 11kW across the range. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability comes standard, allowing owners to power external appliances or equipment such as e-bikes directly from the vehicle’s battery.

Driver assistance

Volkswagen has introduced several new driver assistance systems for the ID. Cross, including Connected Travel Assist with automatic traffic light recognition. The system can detect red traffic lights and bring the vehicle to a stop, subject to system limitations. A One Pedal Driving mode has also been added.

Optional features include a 360-degree camera, remote parking via smartphone and adaptive DCC suspension on the flagship 155kW variant.

Volkswagen says the ID. Cross has been developed to combine the practicality of a compact SUV with the comfort, technology and refinement of larger vehicles, strengthening its electric line-up alongside the ID. Polo and other upcoming compact EVs. Additional variants are set to follow the initial European launch.