What's Happening?
Volkswagen is showcasing its ID. Cross concept at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, highlighting its commitment to reintroducing physical buttons in its vehicles. The ID. Cross is a crossover version of the upcoming electric ID. Polo, set to be VW's most affordable electric SUV. The design incorporates elements from iconic VW models, such as the Golf and the Bus, and features oversized wheels, light bars, and illuminated badges. The concept includes an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch central touchscreen, with separate climate controls and a steering wheel packed with buttons. The ID. Cross uses the MEB+ platform for front-wheel-drive cars, with a single motor providing 208 horsepower and a range of up to 261 miles.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the ID. Cross concept signifies Volkswagen's strategic shift towards affordable electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for SUVs. By reintroducing physical buttons, VW addresses consumer feedback on the usability of touchscreens, potentially enhancing user experience. This move could influence other automakers to reconsider their design choices, impacting the broader automotive industry. The ID. Cross's affordability and practicality may attract a wider audience, contributing to the acceleration of EV adoption in the U.S. market. Additionally, VW's strategy to reuse familiar labels for EVs could strengthen brand recognition and loyalty.
What's Next?
Volkswagen plans to debut the production version of the ID. Cross next summer, possibly under the name ID. Polo Cross. It will join the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI hatchbacks, expected in 2026, followed by the entry-level ID. Every1 in 2027. VW aims to achieve economies of scale by developing Skoda and SEAT counterparts for these models. The success of the ID. Cross could influence VW's future design and marketing strategies, as well as its position in the competitive EV market.
Beyond the Headlines
The ID. Cross concept reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards integrating technology with traditional design elements. VW's decision to bring back physical buttons may spark discussions on the balance between innovation and user-friendliness in vehicle design. The concept's focus on practicality and affordability highlights the industry's efforts to make EVs accessible to a wider demographic, potentially leading to significant shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics.
