Volkswagen and its sister brands, Cupra and Škoda, have unveiled three interpretations of the previously announced ID.Polo, designed to move the group’s EV strategy into the mainstream. Shown on the eve of the IAA Mobility show, the Volkswagen ID. Cross, Cupra Rava,l and Škoda Epiq preview a family of affordable, small EVs that will enter production starting in 2026.

Together, the trio highlights a shift away from the futuristic, sometimes polarizing styling of VW’s early ID. Models toward more conventional, consumer-friendly designs, underpinned by the upgraded MEB+ platform. The cars will be built alongside each other in Spain and mark a significant push to fend off intensifying competition from Chinese challengers, which are rushing to get a firm foothold in the sub-25,000 euro electric car segment.

Volkswagen ID.Cross

The ID.Cross concept is VW’s clearest signal yet of how its next-generation EVs will look and feel. Positioned as the electric counterpart to the gasoline-powered T-Cross, the compact crossover stretches 4.16 meters in length and offers 450 liters of luggage space, plus a 25-liter frunk. This is basically the SUV version of the ID.Polo, which we covered a few days ago.

Unlike the first generation of ID. cars, which emphasized sleek, futuristic designs and experimental controls, the ID.Cross takes a more pragmatic approach. The interior features traditional physical buttons and four separate window switches, addressing one of the chief complaints about current VW EVs, which has even led to court cases in the US over concerns about dangerous ergonomics. Two digital displays — an 11-inch instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment screen — anchor a cabin designed around usability rather than novelty.

The front-wheel-drive concept uses a new European-built drivetrain with a 211-hp motor and a battery promising up to 420 kilometers of WLTP range. VW says the production model will launch in 2026 with “attractive” pricing to compete directly with BYD and other Chinese brands.

Design chief Andreas Mindt calls the new aesthetic “Pure Positive,” a more approachable language aimed at broadening the brand’s EV appeal. “We are delivering on what customers expect: improved operability, higher quality, and a more likable design,” said VW brand CEO Thomas Schäfer at the event.

Cupra Raval

If VW’s role is to make EVs more accessible, Cupra’s is to give a twist of excitement to the formula. The Raval, a production version of the UrbanRebel concept, and the spiced-up version of the ID.Polo, in the same way, complements the Cupra Born, which complements the ID.3. It will be the Barcelona-based brand’s smallest model and the first in the new “Electric Urban Car” family.

At just over four meters long, the hatchback embraces Cupra’s performance ethos. Its chassis sits 15 millimeters lower than other MEB+ siblings, with fine-tuned suspension, progressive steering, and an optional electronic limited-slip differential. The range-topping Raval VZ will deliver 223 hp and ride on 19-inch wheels. Clearly, the VW Group is aiming at the Alpine A290 with this interpretation.

The Raval also carries strong ties to its home city. The camouflaged prototype shown in Munich was wrapped in a map of Barcelona’s Raval district, a nod to the neighborhood’s raw energy and rebellious character. “For us, the CUPRA Raval is more than a car,” said interim CEO Markus Haupt. “It embodies our DNA of striking design, performance, and emotion, while leading the Volkswagen Group’s urban EV project from Spain.”

Market launch is set for 2026. Without doubt, Cupra will ultimately reveal its own version of the higher-riding ID.Cross. 

Škoda Epiq

Where Cupra leans on sportiness, Škoda emphasizes practicality. The Epiq compact crossover, previewed alongside its siblings, is pitched as the Czech brand’s most affordable EV with a starting price of about €25,000. The concept shown at the IAA is a further refined version of an earlier unveiling demonstrated last year.

Measuring 4.1 meters in length, the Epiq is even shorter than VW’s ID.It crosses but boasts segment-leading cargo space: 475 liters, more than its larger Kamiq sibling. Skoda says the crossover will deliver up to 425 kilometers of range, again edging its VW stablemate.

The Epiq adopts Škoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language with clean surfaces, a bold lighting signature, and wraparound taillights. While the interior has not yet been revealed, the brand promises its trademark “Simply Clever” storage solutions, including hidden compartments and modular luggage options.

Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer positioned the model as a breakthrough for the brand: “With the Epiq, we are taking another step toward making electric cars a practical and compelling choice for everyday drivers.” The production version is expected to be unveiled in mid-2026, according to Skoda.

Unified strategy

Though distinct in character, all three vehicles are central to Volkswagen Group’s strategy of democratizing EVs. Built on a shared architecture and produced in ‘affordable’ Spain as part of a massive investment program, the models aim to combine the sort of scale efficiency with brand differentiation that the German group has built its success upon in the past.

The ID. Cross will cater to VW’s mainstream base, the Raval will target younger, performance-driven buyers, and the Epiq will appeal to cost-conscious families seeking space and practicality. Together, they represent the group’s answer to intensifying global competition.