Volkswagen is all set to bolster its already comprehensive electric car line-up with the launch of the all-new Volkswagen ID. Cross small electric SUV.
A significant unveiling for the German marque, as the name suggests, the ID. Cross is loosely positioned as an electric-powered equivalent to the popular ICE-equipped VW T-Cross.
However, other than having related nameplates, that’s where the similarities between the two models come to an end.
Primed as a rival to the Ford Puma Gen-E and forthcoming Skoda Epiq, the ID. Cross comes hot on the heels of the Volkswagen ID. Polo, with which is shares VW’s new state-of-the-art MEB+ electric car platform.
At 4,153mm in length, the ID. Cross is slightly longer and wider than the T-Cross. This is demonstrated by its sizeable 475-litre boot, plus an extra 22-litres in the ‘frunk’, while VW is promising five adults can ride in comfort too.
Two battery options will be available from launch – a 37kWh lithium iron phosphate pack – offered in 114bhp and 133bhp trims - and a more advanced 52kWh NMC unit that generates 208bhp and will accelerate to 62mph in just over seven seconds.
In terms of range, the entry points in the line-up will see the ID. Cross travel upwards of 195-miles (WLTP) before needing a recharge, while the bigger unit will go all the way to 273-miles on a combined cycle.
By comparison, the Puma Gen-E is quoted at 259-miles of range, while the Vauxhall Frontera Electric manages 253-miles.
Fresh Style Direction… yet Familiar VW DNA
Aesthetically, the ID. Cross builds on the design language presented by the ID. Polo, albeit within a taller, more rugged SUV profile.
A raised ride-height and subtle body protection give the ID. Cross some road presence, while there is devil in the detail too, notably the full-width light bar on the front grille, the floating roofline and the tiered body-coloured inserts that comprise the C-pillar.
Inside, the ID. Cross benefits from the significant raft of updates Volkswagen first introduced with the launch of the ID.3 Neo.
While there is still an emphasis on premium quality within a fuss-free design, VW says it has worked hard to improve functionality and ergonomics too.
ID. Polo and ID. Cross Herald a New Era for Electric VWs
Like the ID. Polo, the ID. Cross is the latest example of VW’s objective to streamline its range with legacy nameplates being recognised as electric by their ‘ID’ prefix.
Indeed, though VW’s ‘ID’ range of electric cars is young versus badges like the Polo and Golf, the wide application since its launch on multiple new electric models means it is already well associated with Volkswagen.
However, it is therefore hoped that models like the ID. Polo and ID. Cross will do a better job of finding their audience than the erstwhile numeric format, even if they are only modestly related to the ICE-version with which they share a name.
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- Electric
- New Cars
- Volkswagen