The Volkswagen Group has announced plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup with a new family of small electric cars, aiming to strengthen its position as Europe's leading manufacturer in this sector. The "Electric Urban Car Family" will include two models from the Volkswagen brand and one each from CUPRA and Škoda, with a starting price around EUR 25,000. The market launch is scheduled for 2026.
All four models are built on the company's updated MEB+ electric platform and will feature Volkswagen Group's new unified battery cell technology. This update is expected to improve range—up to 450 kilometers for these small cars—and create cost efficiencies through economies of scale. The company also plans to introduce premium technologies typically found in higher-end vehicles into this entry-level segment.
With these new offerings, Volkswagen Group aims to capture about 20 percent of the growing European electric small car market in the medium term, which could mean sales of several hundred thousand vehicles per year. Current industry forecasts suggest that the European market for electric small cars may quadruple over the next eight years.
The new model family introduces features such as an advanced generation of Travel Assist (including lane change function and traffic light recognition), LED matrix lighting, optional massage seats, and app-based pre-conditioning. Vehicles will also come equipped with upgraded navigation systems featuring integrated charging planners, access to more than 100 applications via an app store, and standard DC fast-charging capability.
At IAA Mobility, all four models were presented together for the first time. The Volkswagen brand will offer a hatchback called ID. Polo and an SUV named ID. CROSS Concept, both reflecting the brand’s "Pure Positive" design language. Additionally, the ID. Polo GTI will be introduced as Volkswagen’s first all-electric model carrying the GTI badge. CUPRA’s Raval hatchback is designed with a sporty character unique to its brand identity, while Škoda’s Epiq city SUV targets families and lifestyle-focused buyers with its "Modern Solid" design approach.
"The Electric Urban Car Family comprises a total of four all-electric small car models from three brands, all of which are shown together for the first time at IAA Mobility. They will be launched on the market in 2026. The Volkswagen brand offers a hatchback model with the ID. Polo and an SUV with the ID. CROSS Concept. Both embody the new 'Pure Positive' design language, which stands for stability, likeability, and always that little bit extra. The ID. Polo GTI variant is the first all-electric model from the Volkswagen brand to bear the legendary GTI designation for vehicles which are particularly sporty yet suitable for everyday use. CUPRA is entering the race with the Raval, a hatchback model that has a brand-specific sporty and unconventional character. The Škoda Epiq city SUV is an everyday companion, ideal for families and lifestyle-oriented customers. Inside and out, it fully embodies the new 'Modern Solid' brand design language."