The automotive segment is buzzing with excitement as the Munich Motor Show, now rebranded as IAA Mobility , pulls together a plethora of manufacturers showcasing their upcoming innovations. One of the major highlights is Volkswagen , which sees this event as pivotal in redefining its strategy for the future of electric vehicles (EVs). In a noteworthy step towards clarity, the company has confirmed that they will cease using unconventional names for their EVs, a decision that simplifies their offerings. At the forefront of this initiative is their new 100% electric SUV: the ID. Cross Concept .
Manufactured in Spain, the ID. Cross is designed to combat the influx of Chinese vehicles into the European market. In a refreshing twist, Volkswagen is also reintroducing physical buttons in their interior design, a feature that fans of traditional car controls will appreciate.
Redefining Naming Conventions
It’s essential to clarify the intention behind the name “ID. Cross.” The designation is comparable to the electric version of the Volkswagen T-Cross , but the term ‘Concept’ might mislead consumers into thinking it’s merely a prototype. Unlike Jaguar’s recent prototypes, the ID. Cross appears much closer to a finished product, as evidenced by the official images released by Volkswagen. The final iteration is expected to closely resemble what has currently been unveiled, marking a strategic move away from confusing alphanumeric names and towards more relatable naming.
Volkswagen’s focus on straightforward naming aligns with its overall strategy that aims to end previous experimental branding practices. CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasized, “This new generation of electric vehicles marks a fulfillment of our promises.” The commitment to clarity is evident as they pivot back to recognizable names that consumers can easily associate with their respective models.
A Compact SUV with Impressive Specifications
The ID. Cross embodies the perfect blend of an SUV and an electric vehicle , tapping into a sector poised for growth. The vehicle measures 4.16 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width, and stands 1.58 meters tall. It boasts a trunk capacity of 450 liters, comparable to its combustion counterpart, with an additional 25 liters available in a front compartment. Although VW has not released specific information on battery capacity, they have indicated that it will have a WLTP range of 420 km and a top speed of 175 km/h, further enhancing its appeal.
Built on the MEB platform , the ID. Cross will share its production location with the Skoda Epiq in Pamplona , Spain, contributing to the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in Europe.
The combination of an urban SUV format with electric capabilities seems poised to become a best seller among manufacturers. This strategy hinges on the growing demand for electric SUVs as consumers increasingly prefer more spacious vehicles, allowing manufacturers to integrate larger batteries while minimizing charging times.
It wasn’t so difficult
Interior: A Return to Familiar Controls
Volkswagen has also released interior images of the ID. Cross, showcasing a spacious design adorned with soft colors and versatile seating arrangements. Although details regarding the final product are still awaited, two standout features are the dual screens: an 11-inch digital instrument cluster located behind the steering wheel and a 13-inch central touch display for infotainment.
Significantly, VW has reintroduced physical buttons in a world where touchscreens increasingly prevail. The backlash against touch controls has prompted the brand to rethink this strategy, as many drivers prefer intuitive buttons over complex digital interfaces. These visual elements indicate that VW is learning from consumer feedback while acknowledging that a car should prioritize driver engagement.
Looking Toward Fierce Competition
The ID. Cross represents a significant shift for Volkswagen as they adapt to meet rising competition in the EV sector, particularly from emerging Chinese manufacturers . As seen at IAA Mobility , Stellantis has also made major strides with its LEAPMOTOR B10 , demonstrating that the competition is indeed getting fierce. The crossover market for EVs is becoming more competitive, with models like the Renault Scénic E-Tech , BYD Atto 3 , and MG ZS EV all vying for consumer attention.
Expect to see the ID. Cross hit the market in 2026, following the release of the ID. Polo and the ID. Polo GTI. Although pricing details have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that this emerging SUV will fall within the €30,000 range, targeting the high-demand market segment. The IAA Mobility event has set the stage for Volkswagen to address recent criticisms and adapt its strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.