The Volkswagen ID.Cross delivers the ‘secret sauce’ as an affordable, sleek electric SUV

Is the ID.Cross the low-cost SUV we’ve been waiting for? The Volkswagen ID.Cross debuted at the Munich Motor Show with the “secret sauce” as an affordable, stylish new electric SUV.

Meet the Volkswagen ID.Cross, an affordable electric SUV

Volkswagen is gearing up to unleash a new family of affordable electric vehicles, including the ID.Cross, ID.Polo, and an even smaller, entry-level EV model.

As the all-electric sibling to its best-selling T-Roc, the ID.Cross arrives as what could be the most important Volkswagen EV to date.

Volkswagen showcased a near-production ID.Cross concept at the Munich Motor Show on Monday, boasting the new electric SUV has that “secret sauce” with a stylish new design and perhaps, more importantly, an affordable price tag.

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Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s design boss, said the new design is based on three cornerstones: stability, likeability, and what he calls the “secret sauce,” which will be showcased on every upcoming model.

Volkswagen pulled design elements from some of its most iconic nameplates, including the Golf and minibus, as part of the new look.

Measuring 4,161 mm long, 1,839 mm wide, and 1,588 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,601 mm, the Volkswagen ID.Cross is about the size of the current T-Cross. Mindt said the electric SUV appears to be “smiling” with new graphics and a 3D light signature.

Although it’s a smaller SUV, Volkswagen promises it’s still an “all-rounder” with more interior space than you’d expect, with 450 liters of boot space.

The interior is designed as “a feel-good oasis,” according to Volkswagen. It features a lounge-style layout with new materials and various modes, including light, sound, and climate modes.

Two display screens, a 13″ infotainment and an 11″ driver display, sit at the center. Like the VW Bus, you can fold the seats completely flat to give you an open interior space.

Powered by a new version of its MEB platform, Mindt said the improvements are key to offering electric vehicles with “above-average” features at an affordable price.

The drive system features a 208 hp (155 kW) front-mounted electric motor. Although Volkswagen has yet to reveal final battery specs, it claimed the ID.Cross concept has up to 420 km (260 miles) WLTP driving range.

Adventure-seekers will appreciate its 1,200 kg max trailer weight and a ball coupling strong enough to carry two e-bikes (75 kg).

Volkswagen will unveil the production version next summer. It will follow the ID.Polo, set to debut in the first half of 2026. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the new VW ID.Cross will sit below the ID.4, which starts at about €34,855 ($41,000) in Europe.