Volkswagen’s upcoming ID. Cross compact electric SUV is shaping up to be a strong contender in the lucrative small SUV segment, based on an early drive of a near-production prototype in Amsterdam. The car is part of the Volkswagen Group’s new Electric Urban Car Family, built in Spain, and is expected to reach showrooms in early 2027.
The prototype tested was a 208bhp front-wheel-drive version with a 52kWh battery, offering a claimed range of up to 271 miles and DC charging at up to 105kW. Volkswagen says the charging curve has been redesigned to stay flatter for longer, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in around 24 minutes. Entry-level models will use a 37kWh battery with up to 127bhp and a range of up to 194 miles.
On the road, the ID. Cross feels impressively mature, with ride quality notably more polished than the mechanically similar Skoda Epiq prototype driven earlier. The suspension is tuned for comfort, yet the car remains composed and connected over rougher roads. A new one-box braking system delivers natural pedal feel and consistent stopping power.
The car weighs under 1,500kg and has a 55:45 front-to-rear weight distribution. Towing capacity is up to 1,200kg. No all-wheel-drive version is confirmed, but engineers say the platform could support one if demand arises.
Volkswagen says the ID. Cross embodies the brand’s pillars of emotion, efficiency and engineering, with clear design, optimum space usage, high quality and attractive price-to-performance ratio. The production version is due in early 2027.
