VW ID. Cross 37 kWh: the cheaper version vs the 52 kWh
Volkswagen opened orders for the ID. Cross with a 37 kWh battery from €27,995 in Germany. How it compares with the 52 kWh version on range, charging and price.
LandGadget Newsroom · · 3 min read
Quick verdictThe 37 kWh ID. Cross saves about €8,500 on paper and suits commuters who charge at home; if you regularly drive long motorway trips, the 52 kWh car's extra 100 km of range is worth it.
Jump to the verdict ↓Volkswagen's compact electric SUV finally has the price that was promised at its July premiere. On 19 October the company opened pre-sales of the ID. Cross with a 37 kWh battery (net). In Germany, the ID. Cross Trend with 85 kW (116 PS) starts at €27,995. Until now, buyers could only order the 52 kWh version.
What you get with the small battery
VW pitches the new version at people who mostly drive in town and commute. According to the press release:
- Two motors: 85 kW (116 PS) or 99 kW (135 PS); top speed is 160 km/h either way.
- Range: up to 324 km on the WLTP cycle.
- Fast charging: up to 90 kW DC as standard, 10–80% in about 23 minutes.
- Trims: Trend, Life and Style. Even the base Trend gets front and rear parking sensors and smartphone integration via App Connect.
The design, cabin and space are the same as on the bigger-battery car. Depending on the trim, options include Connected Travel Assist, a Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic roof and 12-way electric seats with massage.
37 kWh vs 52 kWh
The figures for the 52 kWh car come from Volkswagen's July launch, as reported by electrive. All prices are for Germany.
| ID. Cross 37 kWh | ID. Cross 52 kWh | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery chemistry | LFP (per electrive) | NMC |
| Power | 85 or 99 kW | 155 kW |
| WLTP range | up to 324 km | up to 427 km |
| Max DC charging | 90 kW | 105 kW |
| 10–80% charge | about 23 min | about 24 min |
| Starting list price | €27,995 (Trend) | €36,525 (Life) |
The gap of roughly €8,500 buys about 100 km of extra WLTP range and a much stronger motor. Charging takes about the same time, because the smaller pack also needs less energy to fill.
+ Pros
- Lowest entry price for the ID. Cross
- Same body, cabin and space as the 52 kWh car
- Standard 90 kW fast charging
− Cons
- About 100 km less WLTP range
- Far less power than the 155 kW version
- Long motorway trips will mean more charging stops
Who should pick which
If you charge at home and drive mostly short daily distances, the 37 kWh version covers that comfortably. Our home EV charger guide explains what you need for overnight charging. If the battery is LFP, as electrive reports, the usual "charge to 80%" rule may not apply: our EV battery care guide explains why, but your manual has the final word.
The ID. Cross is one of the cars behind VW Group's strong order book for small EVs, alongside the ID. Polo, Škoda Epiq and CUPRA Raval.
Our verdict
37 kWh for commuters, 52 kWh for regular long trips
The new entry version makes the ID. Cross a real sub-€30,000 electric SUV in Germany. It's the sensible choice if you charge at home. If you often drive long distances on the motorway, pay extra for the 52 kWh car and its longer range.
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