A Milwaukee Lutheran church has joined a national lawsuit against the Trump administration's directive to allow immigration raids at houses of worship.
The post Milwaukee Lutheran church sues over Trump directive on ICE raids at houses of worship appeared first on WPR.
Settlement payments from chemical companies are helping cities pay for expensive PFAS removal technology. But local leaders say the dollars often fall short of covering the full costs to clean up drinking water.
The post Midwest cities will receive millions to clean up ‘forever chemicals.’ But some say it’s not enough. appeared first on WPR.
An Appleton woman will receive $20,000 from two property managers after she alleged they discriminated against her right to keep emotional support animals — including two cats and three rats.
The post Appleton landlords settle in case over access to emotional support cats, rats appeared first on WPR.
Duck on the Menominee River | Laina G. Stebbins
State agencies are warning Wisconsinites to limit the amount of ducks that they eat, or to avoid certain birds entirely, due to PFAS contamination. Waterfowl harvested around Green Bay were shown to have high levels of the man-made “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment forever and have been linked to several chronic diseases including cancers.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Health Services (DHS) are advising people not to eat mallards from around lower Green Bay from Longtail Point to Point au Sable, and south of the mouth of the Fox River. Additionally, mallards and wood ducks living around Green Bay from the city of Marinette across to Sturgeon Bay should not be consumed frequently — no more more often than once per month for mallards and only one meal per week for wood ducks.
Back in 2022 levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), another man-made chemical, in waterfowl led to similar advisories in lower Green Bay. Further assessments found concentrations of PFAS in breast muscle tissue, according to a DNR press release. In 2023 and 2024, more samples were taken from ducks, with all samples taken during July and August when the birds were most likely to represent local breeding populations. Those efforts revealed elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which is a type of PFAS, in the breast muscles of the birds. The inquiry suggested that both adult and juvenile ducks in lower Green Bay have higher concentrations of PFOS than in the northern portion of the bay.
PFAS chemicals were first developed as part of U.S. government nuclear and atomic weapons research during the Manhattan Project. After the project ended private companies, particularly DuPont, began researching the compounds for commercial use. Over the subsequent decades, PFAS was used in products including non-stick Teflon pans, fast food wrappers, and firefighting foam. The chemicals do not degrade in the environment, nor within the body, and have been linked to cancers and other chronic diseases.
The DNR tracks PFAS consumption advisories spanning multiple species including deer, fish and waterfowl. On Sept. 4, deer and fish advisories for PFAS were issued for the Town of Stella and surrounding waterbodies in Oneida County. All fish in the Moen Lake Chain were included in a “do not eat” advisory due to PFAS contamination, and a similar warning was distributed against the consumption of deer liver near the Town of Stella.
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An aerial of the the Pentagon, May 12, 2021. (Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War.
Just before Trump signed the order in the Oval Office late Friday afternoon, he and Pete Hegseth, the secretary in charge of the department, who stood next to Trump during the signing, said the renaming reflected their intention to return to a more aggressive mindset for the military.
“It’s restoring, as you’ve guided us to, Mr. President, restoring the warrior ethos,” Hegseth said. “The War Department is going to fight decisively, not endless conflicts. It’s going to fight to win, not not to lose. We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We’re going to raise up warriors, not just defenders.”
The text of the order calls “Secretary of War” a “secondary” title for Hegseth. “The Secretary of Defense is authorized the use of this additional secondary title — the Secretary of War — and may be recognized by that title in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch,” reads the order.
The Department of War and the Department of the Navy were Cabinet departments from the nation’s founding until 1947, when Congress combined them, along with the Department of the Air Force, into a new National Military Establishment. Congress changed that name to the Defense Department two years later.
Trump said Friday that renaming 76 years ago revealed a “political correctness” in the military that contributed to poorer results on the battlefield. The U.S. has not won a major war since the reorganization, he said.
“We could have won every war, but we really chose to be very politically correct or wokey, and we just fight forever and then, we wouldn’t lose, really, we just fight to sort of tie,” he said. “We never wanted to win wars that every one of them we would have won easily with just a couple of little changes or a couple of little edicts.”
Because the department’s name came from an act of Congress, it’s unclear if Trump has the power to rename it with an executive order.
The president said Friday he didn’t know if it would be necessary for Congress to be involved, but that he would ask lawmakers to approve the change.
“I don’t know, but we’re going to find out,” he said when asked if Congress would codify the renaming. “But I’m not sure they have to … There’s a question as to whether or not they have to, but we’ll put it before Congress.”
Trump added that the cost of replacing signage and other materials associated with the department would be minimal.
The order says: “Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of War shall submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, a recommendation on the actions required to permanently change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This recommendation shall include the proposed legislative and executive actions necessary to accomplish this renaming.”
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the chair of the Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the department who has often clashed with Trump, including on defense spending, said on social media that the name change was not meaningful without greater financial investment.
“If we call it the Dept. of War, we’d better equip the military to actually prevent and win wars,” the former Senate Republican leader wrote. “Can’t preserve American primacy if we’re unwilling to spend substantially more on our military than Carter or Biden. ‘Peace through strength’ requires investment, not just rebranding.”
Marchers sang protest songs and led "Trump must go now" chants as they walked down 16th Street NW in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 6, 2025 during the "We Are All DC" demonstration against the deployment of National Guard troops in the nation's capital. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON — Thousands marched in Washington, D.C., Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s continued deployment of National Guard troops and the increased federal law enforcement on the streets of the nation’s capital.
The large demonstration, dubbed by organizers as the “We Are All DC” march, trailed down the district’s 16th Street NW toward the White House and came after several days of Trump’s heightened threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, New Orleans and other Democratic-led cities.
The district’s Democratic attorney general sued the Trump administration Thursday arguing the ongoing presence of National Guard troops amounts to illegal military occupation.
Guard members from the District of Columbia and seven states had already been deployed in Washington as of this week when Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday he would add 300 soldiers and 16 support staff, becoming the eighth state to send troops.
On Friday, Trump added Portland, Oregon, to the list of cities where he wants to deploy the Guard.
Demonstrators carried signs bearing the message “End the Occupation,” “Free DC” and “Get the ICE Out,” in reference to recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests in the district.
Marchers walked down H Street NW in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 6, 2025 during the “We Are All DC” demonstration . (Video by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
Dozens of organizations participated in the march, including labor unions, faith-based organizations, immigration advocates, the League of Women Voters D.C. chapter and the D.C. Democratic Party.
Gail Hansen, 71, of Washington, D.C., said she wants to see a decreased ICE presence.
“I believe in freedom, and I think we’ve all gotta let everybody know that what’s happening on our streets is unacceptable,” Hansen told States Newsroom. “ICE needs to go home. The National Guard needs to go home. FBI needs to get out of our streets. We are doing just fine in D.C.”
Charlotte Stone, 18, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, held a cardboard sign above her head depicting a caricature of Trump with a Hitler mustache and a message that read “Ignoring it is what the Germans did.”
“I’m disgusted with this country, I’m here with my friends, and we’re freshmen at George Washington University, and we’re disgusted. We need to do something about it,” Stone told States Newsroom.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department released statistics Tuesday claiming overall crime had decreased by 8% in the district over the previous seven days.
Protesters carry Banksy-style banner depicting a man throwing a sandwich as a nod to former Justice Department employee Sean Dunn, who threw a Subway hoagie at federal agents on Aug. 10 at 14th & U St NW in Washington, D.C. The marchers were part of the “We Are All DC” demonstration on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Video by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
Trump’s 30-day emergency to federalize law enforcement in D.C. ends Sept. 10. On Tuesday, district Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an agreement with the administration to continue a collaboration between local police and federal law enforcement.
On Saturday morning, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself with a burning Chicago skyline behind him and a message referring to the 1979 Vietnam War film “Apocalypse Now.”
He wrote on his platform Truth Social, “‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning…’ Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” in reference to his unofficial renaming of the Department of Defense on Friday.
Yes, there are 150-million reasons to listen to the episode. Because Wisconsin has $150 million dollars in federal funding to help make our homes warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, healthier, more efficient. All the things.
A look at two little-known programs that survived the big Federal cuts and are ready to be used by you.
Host: Amy Barrilleaux
Guests: Dylan Crye, Home Energy Rebates Program Manager, Focus on Energy
Joe Pater, Dir. Office of Energy Innovation, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Resources for You:
Watts Up Wisconsin - Focus on Energy podcast
Home Energy Rebates Help Wisconsinites Save Big
Cupra chose the IAA Mobility Show in Munich to reveal more details about the upcoming Raval, the fully electric subcompact hatchback that will be formally launched in 2026. The automaker showed a camouflaged series-production prototype of the sporty model that will be a sibling to the VW ID. Polo and wants to show that EVs “can be exciting and desirable”.
The Raval looks similar to the concept that debuted exactly two years ago, although a few details have slightly been toned down. Highlights include the aggressive LED headlights, the sporty bumper, the sharp taillights and the three-spoke alloy wheels finished in copper and black.
More: VW’s Cheapest Electric SUV Could Be Its Smartest Yet But We May Not Get It
The subcompact hatchback measures 4,046 mm (159.3 inches) long, 1,784 mm (70.2 inches) wide, and 1,518 mm (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). This means it has a similar footprint to the ICE-powered Seat Ibiza from its sister brand.
An EV With Hot Hatch Traits
The Raval rides on the MEB+ architecture with a front-mounted electric motor at “several output stages” and two battery options. This is shared with the ID. Polo hatchback, as well as the upcoming ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq crossovers.
In order to differentiate it from its VW Group stablemates, Cupra gave the Raval a sport chassis to match its angry looks. All variants of the EV sit 15 mm (0.6 inches) closer to the ground and have a unique suspensions setup, progressive steering, and ESC Sport.
More: Cupra’s Futuristic New Concept Promises Something Drivers Have Never Seen Before
The performance-focused VZ trim takes things further as the evil twin of the ID. Polo GTI. More specifically, it will be fitted with a more potent electric motor generating 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS), a VAQ electronic slip differential on the front axle, a DCC Sport suspension, an ESC Off mode, and 19-inch wheels shod in wider 235 mm (9.3-inch) tires. Cupra didn’t specify whether the Raval VZ will feature a different bodykit, but confirmed the presence of “CUPBucket” seats inside the cabin.
Safety equipment will include sophisticated ADAS like the Travel Assist with lane changing and traffic light recognition, the Intelligent Park Assist, and the 360° Area View camera.
Markus Haupt, Cupra’s Interim CEO, said regarding the brand’s new EV:
“The Cupra Raval is now shaping our future. Because with it, we’ve brought together everything Cupra stands for: emotion, striking design, electrifying performance and as always, driver focused. For us, the Cupra Raval is more than a car. What truly makes it special is the project behind it – the Electric Urban Car Family – which we are proud to be leading from Spain. We are strengthening synergies within the Brand Group Core and turning the country into a hub for electric mobility, making these cars accessible to millions.”.
Made In Spain
Cupra‘s entry-level EV will hit the roads in 2026 as the brand’s eighth model and will mark its eighth anniversary. The company expects to hit the milestone of one million deliveries sometime in the coming months.
Production of the Raval will take place at VW Group’s Martorell factory in Spain alongside the VW ID. Polo. Rivals will include the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Mini Cooper Electric, and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3.
Mercedes-Benz doesn’t just have a rival to the second-gen BMW iX, unveiling the new GLC with EQ Technology in Germany, but it is also gearing up to launch an all-electric version of the C-Class to rival the new BMW i3. Now, an intriguing teaser has been released of this new model.
This darkened image was dropped during the unveiling of the new GLC and shows that just like the SUV, it’ll have a massive front grille. This grille, which can be illuminated through hundreds of small LEDs, will give the new electric C-Class an imposing stance on the road, but is bound to leave many brand loyalists scratching their heads. It features four illuminated horizontal slats, one more than the three found on the GLC EQ.
Read: New Mercedes C-Class EV Reveals Starry Rear And Techy Interior
Elsewhere, this teaser shows the electric C-Class will include the latest Mercedes-Benz headlights, complete with star-shaped LED daytime running lights. The overall proportions of the car are expected to be similar to the combustion-powered C-Class, which this model will be sold alongside.
Underpinning the sedan will be the MB.EA platform, also used by the GLC EQ. This means we can expect to see the same 94 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 800-volt architecture, allowing for charging speeds of up to 330 kW. Perhaps most impressive is that the German brand is promising 497 miles (800 km) of driving range in the electric C-Class, likely set to be badged the C-Class with EQ Technology.
Technical Specs
Further powertrain details remain uncertain, but the C-Class EQ should be available in several different rear- and all-wheel drive configurations.
Little is known about the interior of the new model. It could hit the market with the same 39.1-inch seamless MBUX Hyperscreen as the GLC EQ, or it may be equipped with the slightly simpler Superscreen of the new-age CLA, complete with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment display, and a 14-inch screen for the passenger.
While BMW has moved away from massive kidney grilles on its second-generation iX3 unveiled late last week, Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on the industry’s fascination with huge grilles, presenting the new GLC with EQ Technology before its long-awaited debut in Munich. The all-electric SUV will join the Mercedes line-up in the first half of 2026, serving as a successor to the poor-selling EQC.
Stand Out Looks
Visually, the new GLC with EQ Technology has similar proportions and a familiar shape to the current ICE-powered GLC, but features all-new front and rear fascias for the Mercedes brand. The most striking element of the new design is a reinterpretation of the Mercedes grille, now offered in an illuminated version with 942 backlit dots. Some will love it, while others will think it’s cheap and tacky, but there’s no denying it’s eye-catching.
Read: Mercedes Is Making A New Model For Americans In America
The headlights are also all-new and feature star-shaped LED daytime running lights, a design element that will become a signature across the entire Mercedes lineup. Plenty is going on at the rear, too, including similar star-shaped LED lights and a two-piece roof spoiler.
Tech-Heavy Cabin
Mercedes has long built some of the finest interiors on the market, and it’s left no stone unturned in modernizing the cabin of the GLC for the electric era. The tech-heavy design is highlighted by the new seamless MBUX Hyperscreen, measuring 39.1 inches (99.3 cm) and stretching across the entire width of the dashboard.
Elsewhere, an intricate ambient lighting system has been installed, and can even be added to the standard panoramic glass roof. Positioned to the sides of the massive screen are gorgeous circular air vents, while located below it are two rectangular vents. There are also two cupholders and two wireless phone chargers on the floating console, making for what is a very minimalist design by Mercedes-Benz standards.
What Powers This Thing?
Now onto the mechanical stuff. The wheelbase of the GLC with EQ stretches 117 inches (2,972 mm), making it 3.1 inches (8 cm) longer than the combustion model. This boosts front and rear legroom and headroom. There’s also 570 liters (20 cubic feet) of cargo space in the rear and a 128-liter (4.5 cubic-foot) frunk.
All versions of the electric GLC use the same 94 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes has confirmed the range will launch with a flagship GLC 400 4MATIC version delivering 483 hp through a twin-motor system, but four other versions will follow.
Performance times haven’t been announced, but Mercedes says the GLC with EQ Tech will be able to drive up to 443 miles (713 km) on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. That’s not the only impressive thing. Thanks to the new-generation battery pack, the GLC supports DC charging speeds of up to 330 kW, meaning 186 miles (300 km) of range can be added in just 10 minutes.
S-Class Suspension
Shoppers will be able to order the new GLC with the same Airmatic air suspension as the S-Class, complete with rear-axle steering and intelligent suspension control, aiming to improve comfort significantly. This system also communicates with traffic infrastructure to sense and respond to impending bumps in the road. The air suspension also uses Google Maps data to ensure the car is in its lowest possible setting for as long as possible, boosting efficiency. For example, if you’re on a highway and have to slow down for road works, the GLC will remain in its squatted position, whereas other cars using speed-sensitive air suspension often rise at lower speeds.
Mercedes-Benz is also boasting about a significantly improved brake regeneration system. Four different levels of recuperation are available, with the highest setting providing up to 300 kW of regen.
When Can I Get One?
Market-specific pricing details will be released at a later date. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new GLC with EQ Technology below. Will it be a hit, or will it be a miss?
Soon, Porsche buyers will have not one, but two all-electric Cayenne EV body styles to choose from as the Coupe version is also receiving the same electric treatment as its more traditional SUV sibling. Captured up close in these new spy images nearly undisguised, the electric Cayenne Coupe will adopt many of its design elements from the regular Cayenne EV, albeit in a slightly sleeker and lower profile.
Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet
As we’ve seen with other prototypes, including one being promoted by the German automaker itself, the electric Cayenne Coupe will look quite a bit different than the current ICE model that will remain in production, and have an arguably less attractive design inspired by the smaller Macan Electric. The changes start at the front with a new set of headlights.
Details in the Design
Alongside the new headlights, Porsche has developed an entirely new lower grille for the SUV, complete with what appear to be adjustable horizontal slats. There are also two bulbous air curtains directly below the headlights.
The sides of this almost completely undisguised prototype are also quite intriguing. Porsche has slapped on some black fenders, which cheapen the overall look of the model, while also installing black plastic rocker panels, which, again, don’t do the premium SUV any favors. Here’s hoping that painted arches and rocker panels are at least an option on the production model.
The rear is perhaps the most intriguing. Like the current combustion-powered Cayenne Coupe, the rear sits lower with a steeply raked window and a small decklid. The LED taillights of this prototype have the same pixel design as we’ve seen on others being tested by Porsche. However, the pixels are expected to be ditched in favor of a solid light bar for the production model.
Platform and Battery Tech
The Cayenne EV lineup rides on Porsche’s new PPE41C platform. While related to the PPE base used for the Macan EV, Porsche has heavily modified the setup with different motors and battery technology. Central to the system is a new 113 kWh (gross) battery pack developed with LG, using pouch-style NMC cells cooled on both sides to enhance performance.
This setup supports charging speeds of up to 400 kW, allowing a 10 to 80 percent top-up in just 16 minutes. With NACS compatibility on board, Porsche targets a range of at least 370 miles, placing the Cayenne EV among the longest-legged electric SUVs in its class.
Charging Made Easy
The Cayenne Electric will be available with an optional Porsche Wireless Charger, a weatherproof 11 kW inductive pad operating at 90 percent efficiency. The system automatically positions the SUV, lowers its suspension, and starts charging cable-free. It also supports hands-free use through the app or pre-set off-peak schedules.
Performance Outlook
Official figures have yet to be announced, but Porsche has confirmed that the flagship Turbo variants of both SUV and Coupe models will deliver close to, or even exceed, 1,000 horsepower. Lower trims will start around 400 hp, while S models are expected to land between 600 and roughly 700 hp. Practicality has also been factored in, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms).
To add some theater, Porsche will offer an optional synthetic sound package. Instead of the Taycan’s futuristic whir, the Cayenne EV can be programmed to mimic a classic V8 rumble.
Launch Timing
It’s possible the Coupe will make its debut alongside the standard Cayenne EV in November, though a 2026 launch could also be on the table for the sportier looking variant. Whatever the reveal date, both models are expected to reach showrooms worldwide in the second or third quarter of next year.
John Halas contributed to this story.
The spotlight at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich isn’t only on Volkswagen’s ID. Cross. Sharing the stage was Skoda’s Epiq, an updated take on the compact electric SUV first shown in concept form last year. Positioned as a practical and stylish entry point to the brand’s EV lineup, the Epiq promises to deliver everyday usability while remaining priced on par with its gasoline-powered counterpart.
More: Skoda Revives A Forgotten Pickup With A Futuristic EV That Looks Unreal
Instead of revealing the production version outright, Skoda brought a near-production showcar that reflects how the final model will look. The design builds on the 2024 concept with small but telling refinements, including reworked LEDs, a reshaped grille, tweaked bumpers, and new mirrors. All bring the SUV closer to its production-ready form, which is slated for release in mid-2026.
Dimensions and Styling
Skoda’s baby SUV measures 4.1 m (161.4 inches) long, which is very similar to the Fabia subcompact hatch and slightly bigger than the Indian-spec Kylaq. Naturally, it is the smallest EV in Skoda’s lineup below the Elroq and the Enyaq.
The Epiq is the first model to fully embrace Skoda’s Modern Solid design approach, which will eventually define the rest of the brand’s lineup. Key styling cues include the new “Tech-Deck” front end, slim T-shaped LED lighting, and a pronounced tornado line across its boxy rear shoulders. The showcar wears a Cashmere matte finish complemented by glossy black detailing, Cosmo gray cladding, and newly designed alloy wheels.
What About The Interior?
Interior photos remain under wraps, but the Epiq is expected to borrow elements from its VW ID. Cross cousin. That means a blend of an 11-inch digital instrument panel and a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, backed by physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels for a more intuitive setup. Features like wireless charging have also been confirmed.
More: Skoda’s Secret Fabia Prototypes Might Be Hiding More Than Just A Facelift
Despite its compact dimensions, Skoda says the SUV will accommodate five passengers. The cabin will also include practical details such as bag hooks, fastening points, and hidden underfloor storage compartments, along with a 475-liter (16.8-cubic-foot) luggage capacity.
Shared Underpinnings
The EV will share its MEB Entry architecture with the upcoming VW ID. Polo, ID Cross, and Cupra Raval. Skoda didn’t get into details about the specifications, but promised a driving range of up to 425 km (264 miles), which is 5 km (3 miles) more than the VW ID. Cross. Both models are expected to be fitted with a front-mounted electric motor producing 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS).
How Much Will it Cost?
Production of the Epiq will take place at Volkswagen’s Navarra facility in Spain, with sales scheduled to begin in mid-2026. Skoda says it will be the most affordable EV in its lineup, with pricing “comparable” to the ICE-powered Kamiq. In today’s terms, that points to a starting price around €25,330 ($29,700) in Germany and £24,975 ($33,700) in the UK.
Rivals outside the VW Group will include small electric SUVs like the Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger, Kia EV2, Mini Aceman, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Renault 4 E-Tech, and more.
The small electric SUV is one of Skoda’s two major launches at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The other one will be the Vision O concept, serving as a preview of the future Octavia estate with a fully electric powertrain.
VW really pulled out the stops for this year’s IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, revealing not one but three new electric cars. We’ve already had a look at the ID. Polo (neé ID.2) and ID. Polo GTI, but the third EV is an even bigger deal. It’s the ID. Cross Concept and it previews next year’s production SUV, one with massive sales potential.
Also: VW Revives Polo Name For EV Era And Teases First Ever Electric GTI
The Cross name tells us this subcompact utility is an electric equivalent to the existing T-Cross combustion crossover, though the name is about all they have in common. The ID. Cross is one of a family of upcoming small EVs built around a new front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform.
Other models in the family include the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, both expected to hit showrooms in 2026, as well as a production version of the ID. Every1 concept shown earlier this year, which could wear the ID. Up name when it launches in 2027.
Design and Dimensions
Though it rides on virtually the same 2,601 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase as the ID. Polo (the hatch’s WB is 1mm shorter), the 4,161 mm (163.8 inches) long ID. Cross is 108 mm (4.3 inches) longer and most obviously 58 mm (2.3 inches) taller. There’s 490 liters (17.3 cu.ft) of luggage space in the rear, plus a 25-liter (0.9 cu-ft) frunk, something no other ID EV, including the ID. Polo, has offered.
The handsome, but conservatively designed Polo also misses out on some of the Cross’s bolder and more modern design details. These include a front fascia shaped by the interplay of LED lighting elements that VW describes as “friendly,” along with three illuminated rectangles embedded in a black C-pillar, an intentional nod to both the ID. Buzz and the original Bus that inspired it.
Black plastic trims exaggerate the size of the gently flared arches, which are cut high into the bodywork, while the 21-inch wheels are wrapped in special Continental tires that carry the alloy rim’s pattern into the sidewall. It’s a clever visual flourish, though one that’s impractical, hard to see in the real world, and sure to make tire shops roll their eyes.
Relaxing Interior with Some Physical Buttons
Inside, there are clear echoes of the ID2.all concept that previewed the ID. Polo back in 2023 (VW hasn’t released ID. Polo interior pics yet). An 11-inch digital instrument cluster lies beyond a chunky, square-shaped two-spoke steering wheel and a larger, 13-inch tablet touchscreen is mounted on the top of the dashboard’s center.
Thankfully, VW has listened to criticism of its earlier cars, and a bank of hard buttons is located below, meaning you don’t have to go stabbing at virtual buttons to change the cabin temperature. There’s also a small iDrive-style rotary controller on the console.
Related: VW ID. Cross Promises Big Looks At A Small Price
And if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by digital information, you simply flip your smartphone so it lies face-down on the wireless charging pad. Do that that and the displays switch to ‘calm status,’ only showing essential info.
That’s not the only way the ID. Cross’s designers have tried to create a relaxing environment. Ambient lighting, fabric-covered surfaces and the Vanilla Chai (read: beige) coloring used throughout the concept’s interior are designed to calm passengers by taking cues from Parisian haute couture and high-end furniture.
For fully horizontal relaxation time, the front and rear seats fold completely flat, meaning you could sleep in the back like you would in a classic VW Bus, albeit with a fair bit less wriggle room. To ensure maximum comfort the seat backrests are finished in a material Volkswagen likens to a comfortable yoga mat.
Powertrain and Range
The German automaker has already confirmed the availability of two battery options for the Polo, but is staying tightlipped about the Cross’s battery hardware, other than revealing it can deliver a 261-mile (420 km) WLTP electric range. A single motor mounted in the nose sends 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) to the front wheels, slightly less than the 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) mustered by the ID. Polo GTI, VW’s first ever GTI EV.
Related: Sales Collapse Forces VW To Slash Production Of Its Model Y Rival
Officially, the ID. Cross is just a concept, but next summer’s production SUV is going to be virtually identical. In fact, VW even makes a point of mentioning that the interior door handles, which you pull upwards, are production ready. And that should worry rival carmakers because we think VW has nailed this EV’s design in a way it totally failed to do with the ID.4 and ID.7.
US sales are yet to be confirmed, but the ID. Cross will cost from around £25k/€28k when it launches late in 2026 against electric crossovers like the Kia EV2, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Ford Puma Gen-E and Volvo EX30.
Throughout much of the year, Tesla sales have been on a downward spiral in many key markets, including Europe, the United States, and Australia. However, over in Japan, things are very different. In fact, throughout 2025, Tesla sales have jumped significantly, so much so that the American brand may soon surpass Nissan as the nation’s best-selling EV brand.
Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk
From January to August, approximately 6,590 new Teslas have been sold across Japan. This represents a massive 87 percent leap over the previous year, and has already topped the brand’s strongest year on record in Japan when it sold 5,900 vehicles in 2022. Tesla models proved particularly popular in August, with roughly 980 sales. That was more than double last August.
Closing in on Nissan
Year-to-date, Tesla is now only trailing Nissan by approximately 100 electric vehicle sales. Nissan has held the crown as Japan’s highest-seller of EVs for almost 15 years, reports Nikkei Asia, thanks to the Leaf.
Aggressive price cuts have contributed to Tesla’s surge in popularity. In May, it cut the price of the Model 3 by 453,000 yen (roughly $3,000), bringing its sticker price down to 3.99 million yen or $26,800. With government subsidies factored in, the actual outlay for buyers is even lower, which has helped broaden its appeal.
One advantage for Nissan is the upcoming launch of the next-generation Leaf. Sales won’t begin until later this year, which could be a double-edged sword: the new model may spark renewed interest once it arrives, but in the meantime it risks discouraging buyers from choosing the outgoing version still on sale.
New Locations
Elon Musk’s company has also been looking to grow its physical presence at locations across the country. According to Tesla Japan boss Richi Hashimoto, the company will open new dealerships in large shipping centers in a bid to further boost brand recognition. It currently has 25 locations in the country, and in 2026, this could double to roughly 50.
Currently, Tesla has a roughly 30 percent share of Japan’s EV market. Its network of Superchargers will also be expanded from the current 130 sites, ensuring that owners can easily and swiftly charge their EVs.
By the end of this year, it’s possible that Tesla may have sold as many as 10,000 EVs in Japan. Not bad for a company that’s struggling in many other markets, right?
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