New VW ID.Cross electric SUV to start from around £27,000

• Autumn on-sale date expected for ID.Cross, priced from £27,000

• Built on the MEB platform, offering SUV alternative to ID.Polo

• Three power outputs, two battery choices and range of up to 271 miles

Volkswagen has revealed the new ID.Cross, a small electric SUV that will go on sale in the UK this autumn with prices expected to start at around £27,000. Offering up to 271 miles of range, it will give buyers a more practical SUV alternative to the ID.Polo.

Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform, the ID.Cross is expected to be offered with a choice of three power outputs and two battery sizes. The largest 52kWh battery provides the maximum 271-mile range, while rapid charging can take it from 10-80% in around 24 minutes.

Despite its relatively compact dimensions, Volkswagen says the ID.Cross offers more passenger space than the petrol-powered T-Cross, along with a 475-litre boot and an additional 25-litre storage compartment under the bonnet.

It will also bring technology normally associated with larger Volkswagen models, with features including automatic parking, adaptive dampers and advanced driver assistance systems expected to be available. UK specifications and final prices will be confirmed closer to its autumn launch.

Volkswagen ID.Cross price and release date

The ID.Cross was officially unveiled in production form in mid-July, coinciding with the car going on sale in Germany, priced from 27,995€, or a 3000€ premium over the ID.Polo in its home market.

So far VW UK has said that the ID.Cross will go on sale in the autumn, and applying a similar logic to the German pricing, should mean prices start around £27,000, not including any potential for the government’s Electric Car Grant incentive. The related Skoda Epiq attracts the band two £1500 discount.

New Volkswagen ID.Cross electric motor, battery and range

Although UK specs are to be confirmed, it’s likely that the ID.Cross will be offered with the choice of three power outputs – 116PS, 135PS and 211PS. All are front-mounted motors driving the front wheels only.

Two battery sizes will be offered – 37kWh and 52kWh. A DC charge of the smaller battery from 10 – 80 per cent takes 23 minutes at up to 90kW, while the larger version can take power at up to 105kW, and takes 24 minutes to go from 10-80 per cent charged.

Range details are currently being firmed up, but the maximum range of the 52kWh model is 271 miles, or 10 fewer than the equivalent ID.Polo. VW has confirmed a maximum 1200kg braked towing weight for the 52kWh model, however.

Volkswagen ID.Cross design, interior and space

The ID.Cross measures 4,153mm long, 1,581mm tall and 1,794mm wide, with a relatively long 2,601mm wheelbase. VW says that compared with a petrol-engined T-Cross, the ID.Cross offers more interior space for passengers, and a 475-litre boot – 20 litres more than the T-Cross. The EV also scores thanks to its 25-litre frunk for storing the charging cable.

Exterior design highlights include SUV classic features like the floating roof, chunky C-pillar and plastic cladding, plus the option of a panoramic roof. Illuminated VW logos also feature, while on the inside, there's an effort to make things more tactile with a fabric-covered dashboard and more physical buttons offered, rather than predominantly touchscreen controls.

Volkswagen ID.Cross technology, equipment and infotainment

The ID.Cross gets Digital Cockpit Pro, which is VW’s term for the driver’s 10.25-inch digital dials. These include a retro dial option, so you can choose to have your speedo in the same design as the Mk1 Golf.

The central 12.9-inch infotainment screen has been designed to be easy to operate by both the driver and be in easy reach of the front-seat passenger.

Optional equipment that will be offered includes Connected Travel Assist. This can bring the car to a stop automatically when the system spots a red traffic light. One-pedal driving is also available, as is Park Assist Pro that allows you to park the car in a tight spot using your phone while you stand nearby. A 10-speaker Harmon Karden stereo and massaging front seats are options, too.

Volkswagen ID.Cross trim levels

VW UK is currently confirming the trim levels that will be offered when the ID.Cross goes on sale. However, these are likely to be similar to the ID.Polo, which offers two core trims – Life and Style – while the UK doesn’t tend to take entry-level Trend trim, as offered in Germany. A well-specced Launch Edition model is likely, if current trim trends are followed, however.