Following on from the sporty Cupra Raval and pragmatic Skoda Epiq on the Volkswagen Group MEB+ electric platform is the VW ID. Cross, a new compact electric SUV designed to be practical and affordable. Think of it as an electric alternative to the existing VW T-Cross.
Remind us what's under the skin
The Volkswagen ID. Cross uses the same mechanicals as its siblings, so buyers will get a choice of three power outputs and two different batteries. All versions are front-wheel drive.
At the lower end of the lineup is an LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery of 37kWh net usable capacity, paired with either a 116hp electric motor or a 135hp item. It can be charged on DC outlets at up to 90kW and manages up to 316 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.
The 52kWh alternative uses NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry and can be charged at up to 105kW. It gives the ID. Cross a range of up to 436km and is paired with a 211hp electric motor.
Is the VW ID. Cross practical?
For starters, all models can take a 75kg load on a plug-in ball coupling at the back, designed to cope with a bike carrier.
And it would even be possible to charge up an e-bike mounted there (presumably not while driving), thanks to the car's built-in vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, at up to 3.6kW.
The boot itself measures a useful 475 litres, including a large underfloor section. This is supplemented by a small 25-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet up front.
Inside, the ID. Cross promises to be more spacious than the related ID. Polo thanks to its increased dimensions and more upright seating.
Potential buyers will be happy to see that the ID. Cross ditches Volkswagen's previous obsession with touch-sensitive controls and removal of physical buttons.
There are individual buttons on the driver's door for each electric window, for example, along with physical switchgear for the climate control and on the steering wheel.
Alluding to this supposed step back in time is the option to have a retro look for the instruments and touchscreen. The former is a 10.25-inch digital screen, while there's a 12.9-inch infotainment display in the middle of the car.
How much will the VW ID. Cross be in Ireland?
Full Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed, but a starting price of about €28,000 after VRT relief and the SEAI grant is expected. The ID. Cross should arrive in time for the "271” registration period in January 2027.