Volkswagen has made a significant stride in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of the ID. Cross. This new electric SUV is designed to offer a blend of affordabilitytechnology and versatility making it a compelling option for eco-conscious drivers.
The ID. Cross is the latest addition to Volkswagen’s lineup of smaller, more affordable EVs, following the successful launch of the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI. With an entry-level price of 27,995 euros (approximately $32,000), it aims to set new standards in the compact SUV segment. Pre-orders for the ID. Cross began on Wednesday, 15 July in Germany, with deliveries expected to start in mid-October.
The ID. Cross: A Closer Look at Volkswagen’s New Electric SUV
The ID. Cross is essentially the all-electric version of Volkswagen’s popular T-Cross SUV, which has been a top seller in Europe. Built on the same MEB+ platform as the ID. Polo, the ID. Cross offers a range of features and specifications that cater to a variety of driving needs.
One of the standout features of the ID. Cross is its battery options. Buyers can choose between a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. These batteries provide a WLTP range of up to 427 km (265 miles) making the ID. Cross suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
The ID. Cross will be offered in three output levels and various trim options, including the TrendLife and Style trims. The Trend model comes standard with an 85 kW (114 hp) motor and the 37 kWh battery. The Life and Style trims offer a more powerful 99 kW (132 hp) motor with the 37 kWh battery as standard, and an optional upgrade to a 155 kW (207 hp) motor with the 52 kWh battery.
Charging Capabilities
Charging the ID. Cross is a breeze, thanks to its DC fast charging capabilities. The smaller 37 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in around 23 minutes at charging speeds of up to 90 kW. The larger 52 kWh battery takes approximately 24 minutes to reach 80% charge at speeds of up to 105 kW.
In addition to its impressive charging times, the ID. Cross also offers vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing users to charge other devices with a power output of up to 3.6 kW. This feature makes the ID. Cross a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers.
Interior and Technology Features
The interior of the ID. Cross is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. It features a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display and a 12.9-inch center infotainment screen providing drivers with a seamless and intuitive user experience.
One of the unique features of the ID. Cross is its retro display. When activated, it transforms the instrument panel to display a theme similar to the iconic Golf 1 adding a touch of nostalgia to the modern driving experience.
The ID. Cross also comes equipped with Volkswagen’s latest MEB+ platform and software, offering a range of safety and convenience features as standard. The updated Connected Travel Assist system, for example, responds to traffic lights, a first in its price range. Other optional features include a premium 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system and a pneumatic massage function for the front seats.
Dimensions and Storage
Measuring 4,161 mm in length1,794 mm in width and 1,588 mm in height the ID. Cross is about the size of the current Volkswagen T-Cross. However, thanks to its flat battery design it offers up to 475 liters of interior storage space 20 liters more than the T-Cross. Additionally, the ID. Cross features a 25-liter front trunk (frunk) providing extra storage for small items and the charging cable.
The ID. Cross is not just about style and comfort; it’s also designed for practicality. With the ability to tow trailers with a gross weight of up to 3,000 lbs (1,200 kg) it can haul a boat, a small caravan, or motorbikes, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pricing and Availability
Volkswagen has made the ID. Cross accessible with an entry-level price of 27,995 euros (approximately $32,000) for the Trend model with the 85 kW output and 37 kWh battery. The more powerful Life and Style trims with the 155 kW output and 52 kWh battery are available starting at 36,525 euros (approximately $41,800).
Volkswagen is also offering competitive leasing options for the ID. Cross. In Germany, leases start from 300 euros ($342) per month plus a down payment, making it an attractive option for those looking to switch to an electric vehicle without a significant upfront investment.
The ID. Cross is set to go on sale in mid-October with pre-orders already open in Germany. As Volkswagen continues to expand its lineup of affordable electric vehicles, the ID. Cross is poised to become a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking a blend of technologyversatility and affordability.
