Volkswagen's Future Affordable Crossover Spied Completely Uncovered

The CarBuzz spies have captured the real thing in prototype form, testing in public. The Cross is almost completely undisguised, and now we know exactly what the company's next EV will look like.

No More Oddball VW EV Design

Previous Volkswagen electric models had styling that made them immediately identifiable as being electric-powered. This new generation moves away from that, with much more traditional VW styling.

Still, it's far from a copy of the T-Cross, and the ID. Cross has a distinctive look that sets it apart. A tall roofline adds practicality, though the high doorline means it doesn't have a large greenhouse.

There are still a few details hidden on this prototype, but combined with the concept, we can better see what's going on. Those hidden elements include the headlamps, which are partially covered by stickers. The main grille and the taillights are similarly disguised. The lower air intake that holds the fog light also looks like a sticker on this car, and the same goes for the rear.

The concept model had much thinner lights than these, along with an LED grille strip. We'll need to wait a bit longer to learn if the final lights are closer to the concept or these stickers.

ID. Cross Concept Had Solid Range, Power For Price

Volkswagen showed the Cross concept on its MEB architecture, a familiar one for VW electrics. It has a long wheelbase versus body length for maximum cabin space. The German automaker didn't specify battery size for the concept, but did say that it would deliver a WLTP-cycle range of around 261 miles.

It did call out the motor. It's a new development from Volkswagen that comes with the electrical management system, including the inverter built into the package. The new motor should boost efficiency, but it also delivers 208 horsepower.

VW has said the ID. Cross will be able to tow, handling around 2,600 pounds. If you just want a little extra space and not all the hassle of a trailer, it will take 165 pounds on a hitch-mounted bike rack as well.

Expect the interior design from the concept to carry over. It uses an 11-inch digital dash along with a 13-inch center screen. Uniquely for a brand-new vehicle these days, the screens are separated and not in one bezel. An even more pleasant surprise, Volkswagen showed redundant physical controls instead of forcing you into a touchscreen. That's part of its move to re-button its cars.

Last, but not least, we're also expecting new software and hardware to come to the MEB+ platform with this vehicle. Faster hardware and new, more user-friendly software. You know, the usual updates to make vehicles nicer, but also deliver more advanced driver assistance features.

The ID. Cross is expected to go on sale next summer in Europe. Pricing is expected to start at around $30,000, giving it a gap between the gas T-Cross and the ID.4.