At IAA Mobility in Munich, Volkswagen revealed a compact SUV concept for affordable electric mobility that previews its plan for four electric cars in the small car and compact segments launching from 2026. The ID. Cross Concept follows a new design language and previews the next evolution in its electric drive modular assembly matrix, in this case the MEB+ matrix with front-wheel drive, which is the key to the VW Group building entry-level EVs in Europe.

“From the very beginning, my goal was to shape the best version of the Volkswagen brand of all time,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Head of the Brand Group Core and member of the Group Board of Management. “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.”

The ID. Cross Concept, shown in Urban Jungle green, reflects what VW calls a new, clear, and likeable design language.

“We call our new design language ‘Pure Positive,’” said Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s Head of Design. “It is based on our three design cornerstones of stability, likeability, and secret sauce; it will characterize every new Volkswagen in the future. We rely on a pure and powerful clarity, along with visual stability and a positive, likable vehicle personality. The lines and powerful surfaces on the ID. Cross Concept are pure and clear. They shape an SUV that is a trend setter, not a trend follower, and one that transfers the brand’s identity into the future.”

The concept’s positive personality is said to be immediately recognizable in the front and rear, with graphics and 3D light signature giving the impression that the car is “smiling.”

“A Volkswagen must be likeable, unmistakable, and inspire with its character,” Mindt added. “That’s why we deliberately evoke Volkswagen icons such as the Golf and the VW Bus in the ID. Cross Concept – on top, as a dash of ‘secret sauce.’ This can be seen, for example, in the charismatic C-pillars and the completely straight window line. Few volume brands in the world can draw on such a strong heritage. And that will always be in our toolkit on our journey into the future.”

The front-wheel-drive ID. Cross Concept is technically based on the MEB modular electric drive matrix, which will be further developed with MEB+ improvements in terms of motors, batteries, and software.

“The MEB is getting a new software generation from next year, which brings with it a noticeable functional enhancement of many systems for our customers,” said Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development.

The development of Volkswagen’s modular system brings functions to vehicles from higher vehicle segments, such as the further developed Travel Assist.

“The MEB+ is thus the technical key to being able to offer electric vehicles such as the production version of the ID. Cross Concept and the new ID. Polo with above-average product characteristics at attractive prices,” Grünitz added.

The concept is 4161 mm (163.8 in) long, 1839 mm (72.4 in) wide, and 1588 mm (62.5 in) tall with a 2601-mm (102.4-in) wheelbase, so its similar in size to that of the current T-Cross. It is fitted with 21-in Balboa alloy wheels and special Goodyear 235/40R21 tires that continue the design of the rim in the tire sidewall.

The unusual vehicle width and “airy” interior design create a greater sense of space. Innovative packaging is said to make the five-seater’s interior spacious, with an above-average 450-L (15.9-ft³) truck volume and a 25-L (0.9-ft³) frunk.

VW describes the interior as an oasis with a lounge-style ambience that impresses with outstanding material quality and feel, including fabric-covered surfaces. Pre-configured light, sound, and climate modes or Atmospheres transform the interior. Plant motifs on the screens and real plants in the visually floating center console enhance the effect. Specially designed seats can be folded down completely to create a reclining area in the style of a VW Bus.

Designers tried to create a harmonious interaction between displays with intuitive menu structures, natural voice control, and buttons for direct functions, with a redesigned multi-function steering wheel with clear button control. The two central displays are 11 in for the digital instruments and 13 in for the central touch display of the infotainment system.

The concept’s newly developed drive system features two modules of the electric drive motor and power electronics in the front axle and the high-voltage battery in the sandwich floor. The motor in the concept car develops 155 kW for a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). The concept’s WLTP range forecast is up to 420 km (260 mi).

The ball coupling is designed for a drawbar load of 75 kg (165 lb), or enough to transport two e-bikes, and the maximum trailer weight is up to 1200 kg (2650 lb).

The ID. Cross Concept is VW’s fourth small electric concept car, following the ID.2 all and ID. GTI Concept based on the ID.2 all and the ID. EVERY1. The world premiere of the new ID. Polo, the production version of the ID.2 all, is set for the first half of 2026. The ID. Polo GTI will follow soon afterwards. Both models were at the IAA show, still slightly camouflaged. The final ID. Cross will have its world premiere in the summer of 2026. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be marketed in 2027.

All four new ID. models are part of a cross-brand product program of the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core—that includes Seat and Cupra, Škoda, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles—that will launch new models in the entry-level electric segment. Cupra will market the Raval sporty hatchback and Škoda the Epiq city SUV. Inside and out, it fully embodies the new “Modern Solid” brand design language. The Brand Group Core brands targeted synergies and economies of scale to offer attractive electric cars in Europe, technically and in terms of price.