The world of electric cars is a bit like a buffet at a cheap diner: plenty of options, but you’re never quite sure if you’ll get something tasty or a plate full of disappointment. Luckily, Volkswagen is serving up a new dish that looks like a proper treat. Meet the ID. Cross Concept, a compact electric crossover set to storm showrooms in 2026. This isn’t your neighbor’s dusty estate car, the one who’s always moaning about his lawn. No, this is a fresh, cheeky contender ready to turn the B-segment upside down.
Let’s start with the looks. The ID. Cross Concept isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. Picture a T-Cross that’s downed an espresso and decided it’s done with being boring. Volkswagen has kept the prototype under some colorful camouflage wraps, but what we can see looks promising: sleek lines, a tough stance, and a vibe that screams, “I’m small, but I bite.” At just over 4.1 meters long, it’s compact enough to zip through city streets but roomy enough to carry four or five people without them feeling like canned sardines. And the boot? It swallows 475 liters of luggage, meaning your weekend trip to the Ardennes won’t turn into a game of Tetris with your bags.
Under the bonnet—or rather, where the bonnet would be if electric cars still had such things—lies an electric motor pumping out 211 horsepower. It’s not a number that’ll knock your socks off, but for a compact crossover, it’s more than enough to make your neighbors jealous when you blast off from the traffic lights. Volkswagen’s keeping mum about the battery details for now, but if we look at its stablemates like the ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, we can expect a range that’ll get you from Antwerp to Amsterdam without stopping to pray for a charging station. And let’s be honest: in a world where finding a free fast charger is sometimes harder than spotting a unicorn, that’s a godsend.
What makes this ID. Cross so special? It’s not just a car; it’s part of a bigger plan. Volkswagen is dead set on conquering the B-segment, which they’ve somewhat ignored until now. In 2026, we’ll see not only the ID. Cross but also the ID. Polo and a sporty ID. Polo GTI. And as a cherry on top, an even smaller EV will follow in 2027. It’s as if Volkswagen has suddenly decided they don’t just want to play the game—they want to own the entire playground. They’re building these cars in their Navarra factory in Pamplona, alongside the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval, which shows they’re serious about economies of scale. Clever chaps, those Germans.
The ID. Cross Concept is taking aim at rivals like the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross, Opel Mokka Electric, and Renault 4 E-Tech. That’s a feisty bunch, but Volkswagen seems confident their newcomer can stand out. And why not? The interior promises to be practical with clever storage solutions—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good cubbyhole?—and the tech will no doubt be packed with the latest gadgets. Think an infotainment screen bigger than your telly at home and connectivity that makes your car smarter than the average teenager.
But let’s pause for a moment to put things in context. The car industry is a battlefield. Tesla’s sales in Europe dipped again in July, Chinese brands like XPeng and Leapmotor are gaining ground, and meanwhile, everyone’s trying to outdo each other with electric crossovers. Volkswagen’s playing it smart by going for a design that feels familiar yet modern. They’re even recycling the “ID. Polo” name for another EV, proving they’re not afraid to give their classics an electric makeover. It’s a bit like pulling your old leather jacket out of the wardrobe, slapping on a fresh coat of paint, and suddenly everyone’s asking where you got that cool piece.
Is there anything to grumble about? Well, it’s still a concept, so we’ll have to see how close the production version gets to these promises. And let’s be honest: Volkswagen has a history of occasionally overplaying its hand. But if they get this right—and all signs point that way—the ID. Cross could be a hit. It’s a car for city dwellers who fancy a bit of adventure without needing to spend a fortune or find a parking spot the size of a football pitch.
So, what’s the verdict? The Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept is proof that the future of compact electric cars looks bright. It’s practical, it’s got some punch, and it’s arriving at a time when the world is crying out for affordable EVs that don’t feel like a compromise. If you’re after an electric car that won’t force you to empty your bank account, keep an eye on this one. And while you’re waiting for 2026, you can always check out our marketplace, where you can search for and buy 100% electric cars right now: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
