Volkswagen’s new affordable electric SUV debuts with 265 miles of range [Images]

Volkswagen introduced its new affordable electric SUV, the ID. Cross, with an entry-level price starting at around $32,000.

Volkswagen ID. Cross debuts an affordable EV SUV

The ID. Cross arrives as the first electric SUV from Volkswagen’s new lineup of smaller, more affordable EVs.

Following the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, Volkswagen said the compact electric SUV “sets new standards” in its class with an entry-level price of 27,995 euros, or about $32,000.

The ID. Cross is essentially the all-electric version of Volkswagen’s top-selling T-Cross SUV in Europe.

Volkswagen opened pre-orders for the new ID. Cross on Wednesday in Germany. It will be available with two battery packs: a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack and a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack, providing a WLTP range of up to 427 km (265 miles).

Based on the same MEB+ platform as the ID. Polo, the entry-level electric SUV will be offered with three output levels and trim options, including:

• VW ID. Cross Trend:
  standard with 85 kW (114 hp) and 37‑kWh battery
• VW ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style:
  standard with 99 kW (132 hp) and 37‑kWh battery
• VW ID. Cross Life and ID. Cross Style:
• optional with 155 kW (207 hp) and 52‑kWh battery

With DC fast charging of up to 90 kW, the smaller (37 kWh) battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in around 23 minutes. The larger (52 kWh) battery takes around 24 minutes with charging speeds of up to 105 kW.

With the ability to tow trailers with a gross weight of up to 3,000 lbs (1,200 kg), Volkswagen said the larger-battery version can haul a boat, a small caravan, or motorbikes.

Inside, the ID. Cross adopts Volkswagen’s new digital cockpit design. The setup includes a 10.25″ “Digital Cockpit Pro” instrument display and 12.9″ center infotainment screen.

One of the coolest new features is the retro display. When activated, it transforms the instrument panel to display a theme similar to the iconic Golf 1.

With Volkswagen’s latest MEB+ platform and software, the ID. Cross comes with safety and convenience features as standard.

The updated Travel Assist ADAS system, now called Connected Travel Assist, is available and now responds to traffic lights, which Volkswagen said is a first in its price range.

Other option features include a premium 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with 425 Watts of power, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. Buyers can also opt to add the pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats.

Measuring 4,161 mm in length, 1,794 mm in width, and 1,588 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,601 mm, the ID. Cross is about the size of the current Volkswagen T-Cross.

However, thanks to the flat battery design, the electric SUV offers up to 475 liters of interior storage space, 20 liters more than the T-Cross.

Volkswagen opened pre-orders for the ID. Cross Life and Style trims with 155 kW of output and a 52 kWh battery are available in Germany, starting at 36,525 euros, or roughly $41,800. It’s offering leases from 300 euros ($342) per month, plus a down payment.

The standard Trend model with 85 kW output and a 37 kWh battery will go on sale in mid-October, with prices starting at 27,995 euros ($32,000).