Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept: An accessible second-generation EV.

At the Munich Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Cross Concept, a concept car that lays the foundation for the company's second generation of electric vehicles, aiming for a more "normal" and accessible approach. The highlights include a familiar design and user experience approach, a return to physical buttons, the use of the meb+ platform, and a target range of up to 420 km according to WLTP. The model is expected to be front-wheel drive, with approximately 208 horsepower, a 25-liter trunk, and a target launch date of 2026.

Design geared towards the masses and a "normalization" strategy.

The ID. Cross Concept is the electrified rival to the best-selling gasoline-powered T-cross crossover, reflecting VW's strategy of bringing electric vehicles back to their roots: a user-friendly, easy-to-use design, rather than the controversial "spaceship" style. Along with the recently introduced ID. Polo concept, VW's message is clear: the next generation of EVs will be electrified versions of popular, mainstream models already favored by customers.

The model uses the meb+ platform, an improved version of the current meb architecture, promising upgrades to both the battery and the software. This is a core technical piece in VW's strategy to "normalize" EVs, aiming to bridge the gap in driving experience between electric vehicles and conventional cars.

Experience-focused cabins: physical buttons are back.

VW took market feedback directly into account. The haptic sliders that had been a source of frustration on some ID.4 models were removed, replaced by clear physical buttons. A small but significant detail: the car now features four full-window switches, addressing previous complaints about only having two switches and having to press a separate button to switch between front and rear windows.

VW brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said: “The ID. Cross concept car, which is almost ready for production, proves that we are now truly delivering what we expect, with a new design, many technologies previously only found in premium segments, improved performance and quality.” The decision to return to physical buttons also follows a global trend, as safety tests in Europe consistently show that buttons are more intuitive and safer to operate at high speeds than touch controls.

Operation and expected parameters

According to the initial technical specifications, the ID. Cross Concept is expected to be front-wheel drive with approximately 208 horsepower. The target range is up to 420 km on the WLTP cycle, suitable for an urban crossover. A practical advantage is the 25-liter trunk (frunk) – a feature many current ID. models lack.

meb+ platform and technology

Meb+ is an upgraded version of meb, focusing on improving both battery hardware and software. In addition, VW says the model will incorporate technologies previously only found in higher segments. While details haven't been released, the focus is on enhancing the everyday user experience rather than chasing flashy, impractical features.

Market and schedule

The ID. Cross Concept is expected to debut in 2026. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but VW insists it will be "attractive"—a necessary factor given BYD and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers' rapid expansion in Europe. Positioning it alongside mainstream models like the T-cross indicates a goal of reaching a broad customer base, prioritizing affordability and eco-friendliness.

Key specifications (expected)

Conclude

The ID. Cross Concept shows that VW is adjusting its EV strategy to be closer to the mainstream customer: familiar design, intuitive operation, and reasonable usage range. If the commitments to experience and quality are maintained when commercialized, this could be a crucial piece in making VW's second-generation EV more accessible.

Source:Inside EVs

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