Although the car you see here is technically a concept, it forms the bases for a new small electric SUV from Volkswagen.
The ID.Cross Concept will spawn a production car similar in size to the Volkswagen T-Cross, but powered by a battery rather than a petrol engine. The production VW ID.Cross is due to launch next year, and VW says it'll look very simialr to the concept car.
Key features of the new ID.Cross Concept include a new-look front end that we'll likely see mirrored on more future VWs, with a 3D effect within the LED lights. The concept car also features dark roof pillars that VW says makes the roof look like it's floating, and a C-pillar inspired by the look of both the Golf and the VW Bus. It rides on 21-inch wheels, although the production car will likely have the option of smaller rims, too.
When it goes on sale, the Volkswagen ID.Cross will be a rival to numerous small electric SUVs, from the Volvo EX30 and Skoda Elroq to the Ford Puma Gen-E and Mini Countryman Electric.
New 2026 Volkswagen ID.Cross: price and release date
No pricing has been announced for the new Volkswagen ID.Cross yet, nor do we have a firm release date. We do know that it'll get its full reveal in the summer of 2026, so we'd expect to be able to order one shortly after that.
New 2026 Volkswagen ID.Cross: exterior and interior
The new look, debuted on the Volkswagen ID.Cross Concept, is known as Pure Positive by VW, so keep an eye out for it on other future cars from the brand. It's meant to give a clear, clean and friendly look. Up front, the concept car has LED matrix headlights designed to look like eyes, with a wide LED light strip connecting the headlights and meeting in an illuminated VW badge in the middle.
Protective plastic panels protect against bumps and give a hint of a ruggged, SUV-like appearance, and the roof pillar at the back is a tribute to both the Golf and the VW Bus with its horizontal slats, which light up at night. The concept car rides on 21-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear tyres, with flared wheel arches to give a more robust looks. Roof rails sit on top for adding extra storage, and the charging port flap is above the right rear arch. At the back, there are 3D LED taillight designs and another illuminated VW logo.
Inside, VW has aimed to create a comfortable and relaxing space, with a special soft fabric made from yarn and seats that feature special stitching and buttons, designed to feel like home furniture. The interior screens can display pictures of plants and the clear side panels on the central console contain real eucalyptus leaves – something we doubt will make the production version.
There are two wireless chargers and an ID.Light feature that uses lights that extend beyong the dashboard onto the front doors to give signals such as navigation directions or warnings.
VW promises 450 litres of boot space with the back seats up, and a 25-litre frunk under the bonnet.
New 2026 Volkswagen ID.Cross: motors and batteries
No details about the production ID.Cross's powertrain options have been released yet. However, the Concept features a front-wheel-drive system that uses a new motor integrated into the front axle, produving 211PS. The battery size hasn't been detailed, but it sits flat in the floor of the car and has a projected range of up to 261 miles. It can tow up to 1200kg braked.
Cars the new Volkswagen ID.Cross has to beat
Find your perfect used car
Whether you're looking for an automatic car, an SUV or even a campervan, we've got the used car for you
