Volkswagen unveils ID. Cross electric SUV

VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled its new ID. Cross, a compact battery-electric SUV positioned as a zero-emissions alternative to the petrol-powered T-Cross and a rival for models including the Kia EV3, Renault 4 E-Tech and Jaecoo J5 EV.

Based on the German manufacturer’s updated MEB+ electric vehicle architecture, the five-seat ID. Cross becomes the SUV companion to the recently revealed ID. Polo hatchback, sharing its front-wheel drive layout, battery options, and key cabin technologies.

European sales will commence later this year, with entry pricing set at €27,995 ($A45,800), although Volkswagen Australia is yet to confirm the model for local showrooms. Higher-grade 155kW versions equipped with the larger battery are already available to order in Germany from €36,525 ($A59,800).

Three single-motor powertrain options will be offered, producing 85kW, 99kW, and 155kW respectively. The two lower-output versions are paired with a 37kWh usable battery, while the flagship receives a 52kWh unit.

Driving range is listed at 317km for the 85kW model and 306km for the 99kW version, increasing to 427km for the 155kW flagship under the WLTP test cycle. Claimed 0-100km/h times are 11.0, 9.8 and 7.1 seconds respectively.

The smaller battery supports DC charging at up to 90kW, completing a 10-80 per cent recharge in approximately 23 minutes. The 52kWh pack increases peak charging capacity to 105kW and completes the same task in around 24 minutes, while all variants support 11kW AC charging.

Vehicle-to-load capability is standard, supplying external electrical devices with up to 3.6kW, while models fitted with the larger battery can tow up to 1200kg (braked).

Measuring 4153mm long, 1794mm wide, and 1581mm high, with a 2601mm wheelbase, the ID. Cross is 45mm longer and 34mm wider than the T-Cross, while its wheelbase grows by 38mm.

Volkswagen claims 475 litres of luggage capacity behind the rear seats – 20 litres more than the T-Cross – supplemented by a 25-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet intended for charging cables and smaller items.

The production model retains much of the ID. Cross concept’s upright stance and short overhangs but adopts simpler bumpers, reduced cladding and smaller wheels with higher-profile tyres.

Inside, Volkswagen has returned to physical steering wheel and climate-control buttons following criticism of the touch-sensitive interfaces used in earlier ID models.

A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with a 12.9-inch central infotainment display, while a retro display mode replicates the analogue instrumentation of the original Golf.

Available equipment includes adaptive suspension, heated and massaging front seats, a panoramic glass roof, matrix LED headlights, illuminated Volkswagen badging, and a 10-speaker harman/kardon audio system.

The ID. Cross also introduces an updated Connected Travel Assist system capable of recognising traffic lights and automatically bringing the vehicle to a stop at a red signal. Remote smartphone parking, automated parking, a 360-degree camera, and one-pedal driving are also available.

Volkswagen brand chief executive Thomas Schäfer said the model combined clean design, technology and practical packaging with “excellent value for money”.

“These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen,” he said.

An Australian introduction remains under consideration, with the ID. Cross potentially giving Volkswagen a more affordable electric model below the ID.4 and ID.5 should a local business case be approved.