Volkswagen’s new ID. Cross brings a more affordable electric SUV to the lineup

Volkswagen has started building its new electric SUV, the ID. Cross, at a plant in Pamplona, Spain. It's an electric version of the popular gas-powered T-Cross, and VW is positioning it as a more affordable entry point into electric vehicles. Orders opened over the summer starting around $42,000, but a cheaper base version, the Trend model, arrives in mid-October priced around $32,000 (€27,995 in Germany).

The ID. Cross comes with a choice of two battery sizes, 37 kWh or 52 kWh, with a driving range up to 265 miles depending on configuration. Fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes. Power output ranges from 114 horsepower on the base model up to 207 horsepower on the higher trims. Inside, it features a large touchscreen and digital instrument display, along with a "Retro Display" mode styled after VW's original Golf. The SUV is roughly the same size as the T-Cross but offers more cargo space, about 475 liters.

For now, this is a Europe-focused launch, with pricing given in euros and the vehicle built for that market. There's no mention of US availability or pricing here, so American homeowners interested in EVs shouldn't expect to see this exact model at a local dealership yet. Still, it signals where automakers are heading: smaller, more affordable electric SUVs aimed at everyday buyers rather than luxury shoppers.