Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the ID. Cross, its most important affordable-EV launch of 2026, opening German advance sales on July 15 with a starting price of €27,990 for a compact electric SUV built on the MEB+ platform.
MEB+ debuts in a mass-market body
The ID. Cross is the first ID model on Volkswagen's next-generation MEB+ platform and the crossover sibling to the ID. Polo hatchback. It is front-wheel drive only, with a single motor offered at 116, 135 or 211 hp and a choice of 37 kWh or 52 kWh battery packs. With the larger cell, WLTP range hits roughly 436 km and 10-80% fast charging takes about 23 minutes. Cargo room stretches to 475 liters at the rear with an additional 25-liter frunk for charging cables.
Connected Travel Assist and traffic-light detection at €27,990
The car debuts VW's "Connected Travel Assist" ADAS, which uses swarm data from other Volkswagens to detect traffic lights and stop signs and apply the brakes automatically — a feature VW says is a first at this price point. Physical button-and-dial controls have been reinstated after years of criticism over touch surfaces. Options include a Harman Kardon audio system, 12-way pneumatic massage seats, adaptive DCC suspension, heat pump, panoramic roof and vehicle-to-load. The 52 kWh version tows up to 1,200 kg.
A €27,990 lifeline as VW cuts 100,000 jobs
Pricing spans €27,990 for the Trend, €33,930 for Life and €35,930 for Style; European deliveries begin in autumn 2026. The launch lands the same week Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume confirmed the group is examining up to 50,000 further job cuts on top of the ~50,000 already agreed, as it battles Chinese competition and a 20% cost disadvantage on ICE production. VW is banking on the ID. Cross to hit the sweet spot of Europe's biggest EV segment — small SUVs — where affordability is now the deciding factor. It arrives as EU-wide BEV share crossed 20% in the first five months of 2026.
Reporting based on coverage from Volkswagen Newsroom, AutoNext, and Electrek.