2026 VW ID.1 Makes Scripted Debut As Tiny Crossover With Targeted Sub-€20,000 Price

Part of the latter category is the ID.1, a tiny machine that will be the successor to the Up! (and the electric e-Up!). The company's naming scheme for its electric vehicles is easy to follow, as each has the ID prefix followed by a number suffix after the dot, which reveals its size. Therefore, the ID.1 will sit at the bottom of Volkswagen's EV lineup.

You may remember it as the sub--€20,000 (~$21,500) electric vehicle, as that is the targeted starting price in Europe. If the German car manufacturer can achieve that, then it will throw a severe swing at models such as the Dacia Spring. It might just beat it into submission, as the Romanian brand's tiny EV has some serious drawbacks regarding the build quality, soundproofing, range, power, etc.

Volkswagen's upcoming ID.1 is expected to be a bit smaller than the current Polo. However, due to its clever packaging, it should offer superior space inside and in the trunk. Some say it will be a hatchback, whereas others would bet everything on it following the crossover recipe with generous ground clearance and, for a more rugged appearance, plastic cladding on the lower parts of the body.

The ID.1 is unlikely to launch in North America, given its tiny size. The same goes for the ID.2 subcompact, as both are expected to be limited to the Old Continent. It is still too early to speak about the appearance and technicalities. Yet, some outlets claim that it might do roughly 250 miles (~400 km) on a full charge in its most economical form, which would be a significant improvement over the e-Up!'s roughly 150 miles (~250 km).

To make it as profitable as possible despite the affordable starting price, Volkswagen might allow Skoda and Cupra to launch rebadged versions – you know, just like the Citigo and (SEAT) Mii, which were nothing else than Up!s with different logos. This is a theory for now, as the automaker hasn't said anything about it.

Visually, it will follow the brand's design language, and as much as we would love to tell you all about it, the truth is that we can't – not yet, anyway. The styling remains a well-preserved secret, and chances are it hasn't been finalized, considering that the VW ID.1 is due in 2026. Nevertheless, until then, various rendering artists will give it a shot, just like Ivan Filimonov on Behance, who imagined it as a tiny crossover. Do you dig this look?