Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept: sustainability, physical buttons and the German design “secret sauce”

The new Volkswagen prototype blends eco-friendly materials, intuitive technology and a nostalgic nod to the brand’s most iconic heritage.

The Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept made its debut at the Munich Motor Show as one of the key electric models in the German manufacturer’s upcoming range. Although still officially a prototype, its design is already 80–90% final, offering a remarkably accurate preview of the production model due in 2026. This compact SUV will be part of Volkswagen Group’s electric offensive built in Spain, alongside the future CUPRA Raval, ID. Polo, ID. Polo GTI and Skoda Epiq, strengthening Spain’s role as a hub for Europe’s electric mobility.

More space, more simplicity – and the long-awaited return of physical controls

According to Andy Mindt, Volkswagen’s Head of Design, the main goal behind the ID. Cross Concept is to create an interior as comfortable and inviting as a living room, using sustainable and recycled materials throughout. But above all, Mindt stresses that the company has listened to its drivers. After criticism of previous models’ infotainment systems — with unlit touch interfaces, excessive screen functions and awkward haptic controls — Volkswagen has brought back physical buttons. These are now neatly integrated into the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels, including four traditional window switches on the driver’s side.

The exterior design follows a philosophy of clarity, friendliness and recognisability. Mindt explains that the front of the ID. Cross “should look like it’s smiling”, echoing the most beloved Volkswagen icons such as the Golf and the classic VW Bus. This is the brand’s so-called “secret sauce”: a blend of functionality, emotion and unmistakable character that links Volkswagen’s future to its emotional past.

That heritage connection is deliberate. As new Asian electric brands enter the market with increasing strength, Volkswagen is keen to reaffirm its identity and design legacy. “Almost no other mass-market brand in the world can rely on such a solid heritage,” says Mindt. “It’s the luggage we take with us on our journey into the future.” In this way, Volkswagen aims to stand out not just through technology, but through authenticity and emotional continuity.

Beyond the design philosophy, this approach also helps reduce production and development costs. “All controls will be the same in future Volkswagen models,” Mindt notes. “That means users will instantly know how everything works, and we can manufacture more efficiently.” Ultimately, the Volkswagen ID. Cross Concept signals a return to the essentials: electric cars that are more human, more sustainable, and easier to live with, while staying true to the design DNA that made Volkswagen great.