Volkswagen ID. Cross: T-Cross-size electric SUV unveiled

The Volkswagen ID. Cross, a city-friendly electric SUV based on the all-electric ID. Polo hatch, has been revealed in Europe.

We noted the ID. Cross concept revealed at last year's Munich motor show looked nearly production-ready, and so it has come to pass.

The production car's exterior features toned-down bumper and side cladding designs, smaller wheels, and higher-profile tyres. The overall design and shape, though, are carried over from the concept. 

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It's on the inside where some of the concept's more fanciful ideas took root, and it's no surprise to see the production car feature visible air-conditioning vents. Likewise, the concept's translucent plastic centre console, and the plants that lived inside, are nowhere to be seen on the production model.

Like the ID. Polo, the ID. Cross has a minimalist interior that embraces physical controls for key infotainment and climate functions. It also has a full complement of electric window switches on the driver's door, and real buttons on the steering wheel. Extensive use of fabric on the dashboard and door cards is said to give the car a more premium feel.

A 10.25-inch instrumentation screen sits ahead of the driver, and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the middle of the dashboard. A retro dial and interface mode is available if you're feeling particularly nostalgic about the 1980s.

The ID. Cross is based on the new MEB+ EV architecture that also underpins the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval. As with those hatches, ID. Cross buyers have the choice of a 85kW, 99kW or 155kW electric motor driving the front wheels. The 165kW motor that's used in the ID. Polo GTI and top-spec Raval isn't available in the ID. Cross.

There are two battery options available: the smaller 37kWh (net) unit supports AC charging at up to 11kW and DC fast-charging at up to 90kW, while the larger 52kWh pack ups the DC rate to 105kW.

In its longest range configuration, the ID. Cross can drive up to 427km between charges according to the WLTP testing standard.

Measuring 4153mm long, 1794mm wide, 1581mm tall and riding on a 2601mm wheelbase, the ID. Cross is 45mm longer and 34mm wider than the combustion-powered T-Cross. 

The boot has a variable floor and a total capacity rating of 475 litres. There's a further 25L of storage up front, under the bonnet in the ’frunk’.

Available features include adaptive suspension, one-pedal driving, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and front seats with 12-way electric adjustment and massage functionality.

Top-shelf variants have a 425W 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, a panoramic glass roof, LED matrix headlights, 3D LED tail-lights, and illumination for the grille, tail-light bar and VW badges.

Safety features available extend to a 360-degree camera setup, adaptive cruise control, remote control parking via a smartphone app, and automated parking. The new Connected Travel Assist can bring the car to a complete stop when it detects a red light.

In Europe, the starting price for the ID. Cross is €27,995 (A$45,700). That's about €3000 (A$4900) more than the electric ID. Polo, as well as the petrol-powered T-Cross SUV. 

The ID. Cross lands in European and UK showrooms later this year, but there's no word yet on whether the ID. Cross will be coming to Australia.

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