Volkswagen ID. Cross: The All-Electric T-Cross Alternative with 420 km Range

The global shift towards electric mobility continues at full speed, and Volkswagen is accelerating the transition with a fresh addition to its growing EV family. Just before the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, the German brand unveiled the Volkswagen ID. Cross – a compact 4.1-meter all-electric SUV that will serve as the battery-powered alternative to the popular T-Cross.

The ID. Cross enters a highly competitive segment of small electric crossovers, aiming to attract urban drivers who need a practical, stylish, and efficient vehicle. Volkswagen confirmed that the model will debut in series production in the second half of 2026, and it will be sold alongside the petrol-powered T-Cross, offering customers freedom of choice.

Bold Design in a Compact Package

At first glance, the Volkswagen ID. Cross looks nearly production-ready. Measuring 4161 mm in length, 1839 mm in width, and 1588 mm in height, it is slightly longer than the petrol T-Cross but with a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2601 mm), ensuring more cabin space.

The car sits on the MEB+ platform, the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s dedicated EV architecture, shared with the upcoming Skoda Epiq. This platform integrates improved battery packs, more efficient motors, and smarter software.

The concept version shown at Munich wears futuristic 21-inch alloy wheels, although the production version will likely come with more modest sizes. The design features clean lines, short overhangs, a confident stance, and a closed-off grille with VW’s new lighting signature. A secondary 25-liter front trunk complements the 450-liter rear cargo space, a strong figure for its class.

Interior: Digital, Sustainable, and User-Friendly

Volkswagen has completely reimagined the interior of the ID. Cross to reflect modern EV trends. The cabin is designed with sustainable materials, dominated by textile upholstery instead of traditional leather, underlining VW’s eco-conscious philosophy.

Drivers are greeted with a new steering wheel featuring physical buttons (a return to user-friendly controls after feedback on touch panels in earlier VW models). A 11-inch digital instrument cluster provides essential driving data, while a 13-inch central touchscreen runs the latest infotainment system.

The car also integrates VW’s Travel Assist, an advanced suite of driver-assistance technologies usually reserved for higher-end models. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and intelligent parking assistance.

Electric Powertrain and Range

Under the hood – or more precisely, under the floor – the Volkswagen ID. Cross hides its battery pack. While VW has not disclosed the exact battery capacity, the SUV comes with a 211 hp (156 kW) front-mounted electric motor, providing lively urban dynamics.

The projected driving range is 420 kilometers (WLTP cycle), enough for most daily needs and weekend trips. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 175 km/h. Importantly, the ID. Cross is rated to tow trailers of up to 1.2 tons, a rare feature for a small EV.

Charging specifications have not yet been confirmed, but with the upgraded MEB+ platform, customers can expect faster DC charging and improved efficiency compared to today’s VW ID.3 and ID.4.

ID. Cross vs. VW T-Cross and Key Rivals

The ID. Cross is designed as the electric sibling of the Volkswagen T-Cross, which has been one of the brand’s most successful compact SUVs globally. While the T-Cross runs on efficient petrol engines, the ID. Cross offers zero-emission mobility, digital sophistication, and lower running costs.

Against its main competitors:

Skoda Epiq – practically its twin, sharing the same MEB+ platform, with similar size and performance.

Hyundai Kona Electric – offers multiple battery options and ranges up to 490 km, giving it an edge in flexibility.

Kia EV3 – another upcoming small EV SUV with bold design and advanced infotainment.

Volkswagen’s strength lies in its strong brand identity, recognizable design, and wide dealer network. With pricing expected to be competitive (around €25,000–30,000 in Europe), the ID. Cross could quickly become a best-seller in its class.

Market Launch and Global Outlook

Volkswagen confirmed that the ID. Cross will enter production in the second half of 2026. It will be sold alongside the petrol-powered T-Cross, reflecting VW’s dual strategy of offering both combustion and electric models during the transition period.

In Europe, it will compete head-to-head with Skoda Epiq, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the MG4 EV. In the UAE and other Gulf countries, compact electric SUVs like the ID. Cross are expected to gain popularity as charging networks expand and customers look for efficient city-friendly mobility.

For UAE residents and visitors who want to experience Volkswagen vehicles today, renting a Volkswagen in Dubai is the easiest way to explore the brand’s comfort and German engineering. From classic models like the T-Roc to larger SUVs, RentCarUAE offers a variety of Volkswagen options.

The Volkswagen ID. Cross represents a crucial step in VW’s electrification roadmap. As the electric counterpart to the T-Cross, it combines a practical size with sustainable design, strong digital features, and a decent 420 km range. By 2026, it will give urban drivers a true choice between petrol and electric mobility, without sacrificing style or usability.

With its mix of affordability, efficiency, and advanced tech, the ID. Cross could easily become one of Volkswagen’s most important models in the EV era.