Less than a year after Volkswagen previewed the ID. Cross as a concept (see Futurride’s coverage here), the German automaker has introduced the production version of its newest compact electric SUV for the European market. Even at an entry-level price of around €28,000, the German automaker said the ID. Cross offers a level of quality, comfort, and technologies normally found in luxury-level vehicles.

Those technologies, which can be ordered as options, include Connected Travel Assist with automatic traffic light detection, new parking functions, and adaptive DCC suspension.

“The ID. Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities—all for excellent value for money,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen.”

The electric five-seater measures 4153 mm (163.5 in) long, 1581 mm (62.2 in) tall, and 1794 mm (70.6 in) wide, with a 2601-mm (102.4-in) wheelbase.

 

Exterior and interior design highlights

Compared to Volkswagen’s internal combustion engine T-Cross SUV, the ID. Cross comes with more space for passengers and luggage, offering 475 L (16.7 ft³) of stowage space, 20 L (0.7 ft³) more than the T-Cross. Additional storage areas are under the variable truck floor, which offers space for up to two crates of drinks, and in a front luggage compartment (frunk) under the hood, which can hold another 25 L (0.9 ft³).

Higher-level design highlights are the elongated “flying roof,” “strong” C-pillar, and new VW light signatures front and rear. Optional IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps and 3D LED rear lights with illuminated LED crossbars and illuminated VW logos are available for a more customized look.

The interior features a fabric-covered dash panel and buttons, controls, handles, and surfaces that feel pleasant, inviting, and friendly, according to VW. With the 10.25-in Digital Cockpit Pro display, drivers can activate a retro display with the classic speedometer and tachometer (functioning as a power meter) from a VW Mk1 Golf. Other modern functions such as the Dynamic Road Sign Display have also been integrated into the 1980s-inspired layout. The 12.9-in central infotainment touch display is as large as a premium tablet.

 

MEB+ and three power levels

The ID. Cross gets the latest version of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive platform called MEB+.

It features VW’s new APP290 (axial parallel position, 290 N·m max torque) electric drive motor in three output levels: 85 kW, 99 kW, and 155 kW. The battery pack is available in two sizes, 37 kW·h (net) and 52 kW·h (net), offering a WLTP range of up to 427 km (265 mi).

The flat lithium-ion battery, located in the vehicle floor between the front and rear axles, features a unified cell developed by Volkswagen Group subsidiary PowerCo. It is manufactured at the Volkswagen gigafactory in Salzgitter, with production also planned for Europe in Valencia, Spain.

The PowerCo unified cell uses cell-to-pack technology without module housings. This reduces the price, installation space, and weight; ensures more efficient thermal management; and increases the energy density by around 10%.

The maximum AC charging capacity at a domestic wall box or public charging station is 11 kW. The smaller battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 23 min at DC fast-charging points with a power output of up to 90 kW. The larger battery enables charging from 10% to 80% at up to 105 kW in about 24 min, and it enables the ID. Cross to tow trailers with a gross weight of up to 1200 kg (2645 lb).

A vehicle-to-load function comes standard for charging other devices, such as an e-bike, at a power level up to 3.6 kW.

Thanks to MEB+ and the latest software, the ID. Cross comes with a range of advanced driver assist systems as standard. The next generation of Travel Assist, available as optional equipment, is renamed Connected Travel Assist, since it uses online data.

The system now responds to traffic lights, a first in this price range. If Connected Travel Assist detects a red traffic light, it can automatically apply the brakes and stop the ID. Cross, within the system’s limits. Another new feature is one pedal driving, which rapidly decelerates the SUV through regulation of the accelerator pedal alone.

Available smart parking aids that make maneuvering easier include Area View, a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, and Park Assist Pro, which can handle parking maneuvers fully automatically and includes the option to park the vehicle remotely via a smartphone.

The suspension is specially tuned for the electric front-wheel drive and includes comfort-optimized suspension components and numerous measures to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. An adaptive DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) suspension will be available as an option for the 155-kW variant.

 

Three trim levels

The ID. Cross will be offered in three trim levels. The basic Trend comes standard with DC fast-charging as well as analog and digital controls. The two higher levels, dubbed Life and Style, come equipped with options such as 18-in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera. A junction assistant is also available.

Optional ID. Cross equipment that isn’t available in either the MQB-based T-Cross or several of its competitors includes a high-end sound system from Harman Kardon with 425 W; 10 speakers, including a center speaker for clear voice transmission; and a subwoofer.

One new feature VW says is not available anywhere else in the compact electric SUV segment is a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats. Users can choose from three massage programs, a “luxury-class feature for a compact-class car.”

Sunlight or starlight floods into the interior through a 740 x 900 mm panoramic roof, which extends well into the rear of the vehicle. It can be darkened using an “electric sunblind.”

 

Volkswagen has opened pre-ordering for the ID. Cross in Germany, with additional availability throughout Europe to follow later this year.

 

Kevin Jost contributed to this article.