Volkswagen's T-Cross-sized electric SUV revealed with $46k European starting price

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the ID. Cross, a compact electric SUV roughly the size of the petrol-powered T-Cross. It's set to go on sale in Europe from autumn 2026 with an entry price of around €28,000 (approximately A$45,600), putting it in direct competition with the Renault 4 E-Tech.

Built on the updated MEB+ platform, the ID. Cross is front-wheel drive only and comes with three power outputs from the APP290 electric motor.

Power and battery options:

• 85 kW (114 hp) / 290 Nm
• 99 kW (133 hp) / 290 Nm
• 155 kW (208 hp) / 290 Nm
• 37 kWh (net) battery - LFP chemistry, up to 90 kW DC fast charging, ~315 km range
• 52 kWh (net) battery - NMC chemistry, up to 105 kW DC fast charging, ~436 km range

Key specs:

Three trim levels are planned - Trend, Life and Style - with the range-topping Style adding matrix LED headlights, illuminated VW logos and 3D taillights.

Inside, expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, and physical buttons on the steering wheel and dash - a deliberate shift away from the capacitive sliders that frustrated owners of earlier ID models. Vehicle-to-Load is also included, allowing the car to power external devices at up to 3.6 kW.

Fast charging from 10-80 per cent takes between 24 and 27 minutes depending on the battery.

Australia: No local pricing or on-sale date has been confirmed. At €28,000 European base pricing, Australian buyers should expect the final figure to land well above that once local taxes and on-road costs are factored in.

For buyers who've been waiting for a genuinely affordable Volkswagen EV, this is the closest the brand has come - but the waiting game continues locally.