► VW reveals ID. Cross concept at Munich show
► Previews new small electric SUV to mirror T-Cross
► Production model launches in mid-2026
Volkswagen has unveiled its latest show car at the 2025 Munich motor show: the ID. Cross Concept.
The German brand is going hard and heavy launching a full range of smaller electric cars in 2026, with this ID. Cross Concept previewing a dinky EV crossover that’ll sit in parallel to the combustion-powered T-Cross. A predictable move, given the prevalence and sales success of cars this size and shape.
It’s also another demonstration of VW’s new design language, led by Andreas Mindt. The aims of the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language are for future VWs to be ‘clear, authentic, timeless and likeable’ according to Mindt. Details include chunky, sand coloured wheel elements, roof rails and lighting designs that link it to the ID. Polo. Even the colour is called ‘urban jungle green.’
That said, VW doesn’t really say anything about the ID. Cross looking a little too much like an old Citroën C3 Aircross – especially with that funky rear corner window motif. Funny, that.
Anyway, the interior is suitably concept-y with a light fabric upholstery that’s derived from a bouclé yarn, very pared-back details and a setting for the seats to recline far back. Those among us with sense will be pleased to see a welcome number of physical controls for climate and a full suite of window switches. Oh, and don’t forget the real eucalyptus plant that’s housed in the centre console. Because… reasons.
What’s quite un-concept-y is how open VW is being about what’s under the skin, highlighting just how close the ID. Cross is to being a real car. The MEB+ platform used here deploys a single 208bhp electric motor driving the front wheels, with Volkswagen predicting a 260-mile range and a 108mph top speed. VW’s also keen to extol the packaging virtues of MEB+, pointing to the ID. Cross’ 450-litre boot and 25-litre frunk.
Head of development Kai Grünitz also hints at the new tech that’ll make the production car, too: ‘MEB is getting a new software generation from next year, which brings with it a noticeable functional enhancement.’
We’ll see the ID. Cross production model launch in the summer of 2026, following closely on after the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
