Volkswagen teases ID. Cross - electric SUV for the rest of us

Until now, many EVs felt like expensive toys for early adopters. Thankfully, Volkswagen had an epiphany and is going back to its roots - it wants to build a vehicle that regular people can actually afford and use every day. The new model is called the ID. Cross, and it is designed to be the electric twin to the popular T-Cross SUV.

The ID. Cross is a compact "all-rounder" that fits perfectly into busy city streets and tight parking spots. It measures 163.8 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 62.5 inches tall. Even though it is small on the outside, the design team worked hard to make the inside feel spacious. The 102.4 inches wheelbase helps create more legroom for passengers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Volkswagen (@volkswagen)

Despite its compact size, the ID. Cross offers 15.9 ft³ of trunk space - that's plenty of room for groceries, sports gear, or luggage for a weekend trip. Volkswagen's design boss, Andreas Mindt, says the car focuses on three main ideas: stability, likeability, and a "secret sauce" that makes it feel special.

Inside the cabin, drivers will find an 11-inch display behind the steering wheel to show speed and battery levels. In the middle of the dashboard, a large 13-inch infotainment screen handles navigation and music. This setup is part of a new interior design that Volkswagen plans to use for all its upcoming affordable electric cars.

VW ID. CROSS concept - source: Volkswagen

When it comes to power, the ID. Cross uses a front-mounted motor that produces 208 hp (155 kW). Volkswagen has not shared all the battery details yet, but it did give us a range estimate. The company expects the car to travel up to 261 miles on a full charge based on the WLTP testing cycle. This is plenty of distance for daily commuting and running errands throughout the week.

The look of the ID. Cross pulls some inspiration from famous older models like the Golf and the classic Minibus. Volkswagen wants this car to look friendly and familiar, rather than like a spaceship. Recent sightings of prototypes show that the final version will look almost exactly like the concept car shown at the Munich Motor Show. It features clean lines and a sturdy stance that suggests it can handle more than just a trip to the shops.

All-new Volkswagen ID. Cross spied as butch Ford Puma rival gets into shape
by

u/AutoExpressmagazine in

autoexpressuk

Price is the most important factor for most people looking at EVs. We do not have the final numbers yet, but we expect the ID. Cross to start at under $41,000. This price point makes it much more accessible than the larger ID.4. It sits on the MEB+ platform designed specifically for smaller, more efficient electric cars.

If you live in Europe, you won't have to wait very long to see one in person. The ID. Cross will make its official debut this summer, following the launch of the ID. Polo, which arrives this spring. There is no word yet on whether this model will come to the United States, but since the gas-powered T-Cross isn't sold there, American drivers might not be getting a small electric SUV from Volkswagen.

Source