VW's Most Affordable Electric SUV Revealed Almost Fully Uncovered

New ID. Cross prototype loses heavy disguise and mirrors concept.

Volkswagen has taken a bold step in revealing its smallest electric SUV, the ID. Cross, with minimal camouflage, showcasing a design that closely resembles the concept model unveiled at the Munich auto show. The vehicle’s appearance is striking, as it seems to be attempting to blend in with traditional internal combustion engine models, but the EV details are hard to miss.

The car was spotted without the usual heavy wrapping, even sporting a VW badge. What's most notable is how Wolfsburg is trying to make the ID. Cross look like a conventional gas-powered vehicle. This is achieved through clever use of silver and black tape across the grille, lights, and bumpers, mimicking the style of an older model. However, this attempt doesn’t quite work, as the contours of the ID. Cross concept are clearly visible beneath the tape.

C pillars still hiding

The production doors are now almost fully exposed, with the earlier cladding removed. Despite this, Volkswagen has tried to hide the black lower plastic trim by covering it with body color tape. The C pillar treatment is also disguised, though only enough to conceal the fun ID. Buzz style inserts that we know sit underneath.

Shape-wise, nothing has changed. The bluff little nose, tight overhangs, and tucked tail all match the concept almost panel for panel. Even the light graphics are visible through the tape, and they look identical to the Munich show car’s with VW’s latest family face emerging loud and clear.

Tablet touchscreen with AI

Although the interior isn’t visible in the latest images, it’s safe to assume that it will closely resemble what was on display at the Munich auto show. That means an 11-inch freestanding rectangular digital gauge cluster ahead of the steering wheel, and a much bigger, 13-inch tablet touchscreen mounted above the console. This screen is expected to feature ChatGPT-powered AI assistance, offering a more advanced driving experience.

Read: VW Has A Plan To Save EVs And It Involves Gas Engines

Under the skin, the ID. Cross shares its MEB platform and hardware with the new ID. Polo. The Cross concept had a 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) front-mounted motor, which is the punchiest of the three launch powertrains VW confirmed for the Polo EV this week.

ID.Cross GTI?

The other two Polo options produce 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS), and you can be sure that the second of those, if not both, will also make it to the ID. Cross.

How about an ID. Cross GTI? It’s theoretically possible, since VW plans to add a 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) motor to the Polo down the line to create its first electric hot hatch.

VW never confirmed battery dimensions for the concept, but did reveal a 261-mile (420 km) range. That ties in with the 280 miles (450 km) VW claims for the lighter, more slippery ID. Polo with a 52 kWh battery. Polos will also be available with a 37 kWh pack, though VW might not offer that on the SUV when it debuts in production form in 2026.

Photos Baldauf / DISCOVERTREND