Volkswagen's ID. Cross Brings Back Real ButtonsVolkswagenVolkswagen is rolling out yet another European electric vehicle it believes can take the mantle from the EV juggernaut that is the Tesla Model Y. The new Volkswagen ID. Cross is essentially a battery-electric counterpart to the automaker's popular gas-powered T-Cross, pairing front-wheel drive with a choice of two battery packs. But the real highlight on the ID. Cross's window sticker is a starting price (in Germany) of €27,995 (about $33,000).And while we shouldn't expect to see VW bring the ID. Cross to the US—especially not as it looks to pare offerings and slash costs—its launch does signal Volkswagen's willingness to address market sales from the bottom up rather than relying solely on its larger, more expensive EVs such as the ID.4 and ID.7 to carry the profit load—a strategy that could possibly help its struggling sales stateside."The ID. Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities—all for excellent value for money," Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt 163.5 inches long, the ID. Cross slots into Europe's ulta-competitive B-segment SUV class, where it will take on the likes of the Renault 4 E-Tech, Ford Puma Gen-E, and other compact electric crossovers. The ID. Cross is being built on VW Group's updated MEB+ platform, which it will share with models from other VW brands, like the Cupra Raval hatchback and Skoda Epiq SUV.VolkswagenVW says the EV offers seating for five, with 16.8 cu-ft of cargo space plus a tiny 0.9-cu-ft front trunk for charging cables and other small items.Power comes from a new-generation front-mounted electric motor spec'd in one of three outputs: 116 hp, 135 hp, and 211 hp. Buyers can also opt for either a 37-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery with up to 196 miles (316 km) of WLTP range or a larger 52-kWh pack rated at up to 427 km (265 miles).It's the major change inside, however, that's the most exciting.AdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen has returned to the cabin actual physical buttons and rotary controls for key functions, including climate settings and audio volume. No more stabbing at a flat screen just to adjust the fan. Let's hope this change makes its way to this side of the Atlantic.Hearst OwnedThe ID. Cross also gets optional 12-way power front seats with massage, Harman Kardon premium audio, adaptive suspension, remote parking via smartphone, and Connected Travel Assist, which can recognize traffic lights and automatically slow the vehicle to a stop when it detects a red signal. One-pedal driving and vehicle-to-load capability are standard, while models equipped with the larger battery can tow up to 2,645 pounds (1,200 kg).If the pricing holds and customers respond, the VW ID. Cross could become one of the brand's most important EV launches, at least since the original ID.4.