Volkswagen Unveils New ID.Cross EV Amidst Company Cutbacks and Job Loss Threats
The German automaker introduces a new compact electric SUV designed to compete with Chinese manufacturers, despite facing significant financial challenges and restructuring plans.
Volkswagen has launched its new ID.Cross compact electric SUV, a model aimed at challenging Chinese manufacturers in key global markets. The introduction of this vehicle comes at a time when the German automaker is implementing substantial cutbacks and facing the potential loss of up to 100,000 jobs.
This move by Volkswagen is part of a broader strategy to simplify its model line-up by half and concentrate on more profitable market segments. The ID.Cross, an electric alternative to the combustion-engine T-Cross crossover, features SUV styling, a roomy cabin, and a mission to be a competitive offering against rivals from China.
The ID.Cross is expected to start around £25,000, positioning it against models like the MG S5, Geely EX5, and Aion V. The company is focusing on SUVs as a key area to stabilize its business, with the ID.Cross expected to align with VW's traditional strengths of practicality and user-friendliness.
Volkswagen faces declining sales, increased competition from China, higher labor and energy costs, and U.S. tariffs, leading to tough executive decisions. These include potentially selling off brand assets like Lamborghini and Ducati, closing up to four factories, and reducing its workforce by as many as 100,000 employees, a move that has already led to protests at affected plants.
Powertrain and Features
The ID.Cross will be available with two battery options. The entry-level 37kWh unit will power either a 114bhp or 133bhp electric motor, offering up to 196 miles of range and a 0-62mph time of around 10 seconds. An upgraded 52kWh battery will provide a range of up to 271 miles and 208bhp, accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. The larger battery supports a maximum DC charging rate of 105kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes, while the smaller battery is capped at 90kW, taking 27 minutes for the same charge.
Interior usability is a key focus, with a class-leading boot capacity of 475 liters, comparable to the larger VW T-Roc. A compartment under the boot floor is designed for storing items like drink crates. 
The interior design closely mirrors the ID.Polo, featuring a two-screen setup with a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display. Volkswagen has reverted to conventional buttons and toggle switches, moving away from the controversial haptic controls that drew owner complaints.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, stated that the ID.Cross embodies the brand's core virtues of technological expertise, clean design, intricate solutions, and value for money. First deliveries in the UK are anticipated by the end of the year, with pricing details to be announced soon. The ID.Cross is also likely to qualify for the UK's Electric Car Grant, offering a £1,500 subsidy, similar to other qualifying models like the ID.Polo, due to its European manufacturing and battery sourcing.