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Volkswagen Previews ID. CROSS, A Compact Electric SUV for a Broader Market
Volkswagen is expanding its electric lineup with the unveiling of the ID. CROSS Concept, a compact SUV designed to bring affordable, well-equipped battery-powered vehicles to a wider audience. The prototype, presented this week at IAA Mobility in Munich, previews a production model expected in summer 2026.
The ID. CROSS is one of four small and compact electric cars Volkswagen plans to introduce starting in 2026, alongside the ID.2 all, the sportier ID. GTI Concept, and the ID. EVERY1. The initiative reflects the company’s strategy to dominate the entry-level EV segment, a market it already leads in Europe.
Volkswagen says the ID. CROSS embodies its new “Pure Positive” design philosophy, characterized by simple, bold lines and a friendly, approachable character. Clad in Urban Jungle green, the concept nods to Volkswagen icons such as the Golf and VW Bus, with its straight window line and charismatic C-pillars. At the front and rear, a distinctive 3D light signature gives the car what designers describe as a “smiling” expression.
Dimensionally, it closely matches the current T-Cross: 4,161 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,588 mm tall, with a slightly longer wheelbase to improve interior space.
Inside, the ID. CROSS aims to deliver a more premium feel than typical small SUVs. Warm beige tones, soft fabric surfaces, and even plant motifs create what Volkswagen calls an “interior oasis.” The five-seat cabin offers 450 liters of luggage space plus a 25-liter compartment under the hood. Rear seats fold flat to form a lounge-like area, echoing the flexib
Built on the updated MEB+ platform, the ID. CROSS promises improved range, software, and driver assistance features compared with Volkswagen’s earlier electric models. It will feature a front-wheel-drive system producing 155 kW (211 PS) and a forecasted WLTP range of up to 420 kilometers (261 miles). A 75 kg drawbar load allows two e-bikes to be carried, and towing capacity is rated up to 1,200 kg (braked).
The cockpit combines an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with a 13-inch central touchscreen. Volkswagen says it has refined its user interface with more intuitive menus, natural voice control and simplified steering wheel buttons.
Volkswagen positions the ID. CROSS as an all-rounder: compact enough for tight city streets but capable of longer journeys, school runs and weekend trips. The model is part of a broader effort by the Volkswagen Brand Group Core — which includes SEAT & CUPRA, Škoda, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles — to leverage shared technology and scale for affordable EVs.
“This concept shows we are delivering on our promise: better design, better usability, and technologies once reserved for higher classes,” said Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen’s chief executive.
The production version of the ID. CROSS will debut in mid-2026, with the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI launching earlier that year as Volkswagen deepens its commitment to electric mobility.
Hyundai Mobis Showcases Future Mobility Technologies and Expands European Presence at IAA 2025
Hyundai Mobis (KRX 012330) is presenting its advanced mobility innovations at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, marking its third consecutive appearance at Europe’s largest mobility show. Operating under the theme “Deeper Look to Progress,” the company is pursuing a two-track strategy with both public and private exhibition areas.
In the public booth, Hyundai Mobis is highlighting its Holographic Windshield Display (HWD), developed with ZEISS, integrated into Kia’s EV9. This flagship display transforms the windshield into a full-screen interface and is expected to enter mass production by 2029.
The private booth targets global automakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz with tailored presentations focused on three key areas: eco-friendly electrification, integrated control solutions, and visual-linked innovation technologies. Core offerings include integrated SDV (software-defined vehicle) solutions, next-generation battery systems (EV, HEV, PHEV), the EDU 3-in-1 module, the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), and the innovative In-Wheel System for independent four-wheel drive.
Hyundai Mobis will also unveil its M.VICS 6.0 digital cockpit, featuring a sliding display and advanced infotainment technologies. The company aims to convert these demonstrations into direct technology orders, reinforcing its position in Europe where its sales have grown from 5 trillion won in 2021 to over 8 trillion won in 2024.
A media session, led by Axel Maschka, Executive VP and Head of Sales, will take place on September 9 at Messe Munich to outline Hyundai Mobis’ vision for next-generation automotive trends.
BMW Unveils Neue Klasse iX3: A Leap Forward in EV Innovation
BMW took center stage at IAA Mobility 2025 with the debut of its Neue Klasse iX3, a next-generation electric SUV aimed at revitalizing the brand’s competitive position in the global EV market. Designed to address rising challenges from Chinese automakers, particularly in Asia, the iX3 emphasizes long-range capability and ultra-fast charging as key differentiators. The vehicle is expected to deliver over 800 kilometers of range on a single charge and can add more than 370 kilometers in just 10 minutes of charging, signaling a dramatic step forward in battery technology and charging efficiency.
Production for the iX3 will begin at the end of 2025, with European deliveries slated for March 2026. Built on BMW’s new platform that merges modularity with sustainability, the model showcases the automaker’s focus on cutting-edge digitalization, improved aerodynamics, and lightweight architecture. CEO Oliver Zipse called it “a massive leap,” underscoring its role as a cornerstone of BMW’s broader strategy to strengthen its EV lineup and regain market share.
The iX3 also reflects BMW’s investment in next-generation user experience, offering an advanced in-car operating system, enhanced driver assistance features, and a refined cabin that blends premium materials with intuitive controls. Its debut at IAA marks BMW’s commitment to scaling its EV portfolio rapidly while responding to evolving consumer expectations and competitive pressures in both Europe and China.
Mercedes-Benz Launches All-Electric GLC with EQ Technology
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new electric GLC SUV at IAA Mobility 2025, representing the next phase in its EQ lineup and the company’s evolving design ethos, “Sensual Purity.” The model is positioned as a flagship in the premium mid-size SUV segment, offering a combination of luxurious interiors, advanced connectivity, and improved electric powertrain performance. This launch underscores Mercedes’ strategy to merge iconic brand design with cutting-edge electrification to attract both existing customers and new EV adopters.
The electric GLC features Mercedes’ latest EQ technology, integrating intelligent energy management, extended driving range, and seamless over-the-air update capabilities. Engineers have focused on delivering enhanced aerodynamics, improved thermal management, and a user-friendly charging ecosystem to make long-distance electric travel more practical. This model is also part of Mercedes’ plan to expand its electric portfolio across multiple vehicle classes while maintaining its hallmark luxury feel.
Inside, the electric GLC provides a high-end driving experience with next-generation infotainment, an intuitive MBUX system, and sustainable materials throughout the cabin. Its debut reflects Mercedes-Benz’s continued leadership in premium electrification and signals its intent to consolidate its position as a front-runner in Europe’s fast-growing EV market, competing directly with rivals such as BMW and Audi.