Spy Shots: VW ID.Cross, Aston Martin Lagonda, Range Rover SV Revealed
Spy shots expose VW ID.Cross EV SUV with 420 km WLTP range launching 2025, Aston Martin Lagonda pure EV delayed to 2030 via Lucid tech, and 2027 Range Rover Sport SV power upgrade. These leaks reveal Western automakers' EV strategies amid fierce Chinese competition from BYD and NIO. Key insights into design, powertrains, and timelines shape the global shift to electrification.
Fresh spy shots from overseas media have unveiled three exciting upcoming vehicles: Volkswagen's compact electric ID.Cross SUV on the MEB Entry platform, Aston Martin Lagonda's long-awaited pure EV pushed to 2030 with Lucid tech, and the high-performance 2027 Range Rover Sport SV refresh. These leaks, reported via D1EV and CarQualityNet, spotlight contrasting trends in the automotive world—affordable EVs, luxury electrification delays, and ICE power upgrades—offering a glimpse into 2025-2030 lineups amid intensifying global competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD and NIO.
Volkswagen ID.Cross: Compact EV SUV Ready for 2025
The VW ID.Cross, first teased as a concept at the 2024 Munich Motor Show, appears in undisguised spy photos, confirming its production intent. Built on the cost-optimized MEB Entry platform, this subcompact SUV targets urban buyers seeking affordable electric mobility.
- Exterior Highlights: Closed front grille with trapezoidal vents, through-type daytime running lights, rectangular headlights for a tech-forward look; smoked A/B-pillars, black wheel arches for crossover flair; compact, sporty tail with rising black diffuser.
- Powertrain: Pure electric with WLTP range of 420 km, ideal for city commuting.
- Timeline: European launch slated for autumn 2025.
Interior details remain under wraps, but expect a minimalist cabin with dual suspended screens and physical buttons, echoing the concept's simplicity.
Aston Martin Lagonda: Lucid-Powered EV Luxury in 2030
Aston Martin's electric revival, the Lagonda, surfaces in early test mule photos, validating its partnership with U.S. EV specialist Lucid announced in 2023. Delayed to 2030, this prototype focuses on chassis and powertrain validation rather than final design.
Key observations from the heavily camouflaged shots:
- Low-slung stance with aggressive A-pillar-to-roofline flow for aerodynamics.
- Large Brembo-style brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires signaling grand tourer performance.
- Sharply sculpted tail emphasizing sportiness.
- Drivetrain: Likely dual rear motors from Lucid's custom platform; specs TBD.
This collaboration underscores how legacy luxury brands are leaning on EV tech leaders to meet electrification mandates, contrasting rapid Chinese advancements.
2027 Range Rover Sport SV: High-Performance ICE Evolution
Land Rover's updated Range Rover Sport SV, due in 2027, sticks to its high-performance SUV roots in latest camouflaged images. Retaining family cues, it amps up aggression for enthusiasts not yet swayed by full EVs.
| Feature | Current Model | Expected 2027 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4970 x 2047 x 1814 mm (2998 mm wheelbase) | Similar, minor tweaks |
| Wheels/Brakes | - | 23-inch rims, yellow calipers |
| Exhaust | Quad | Central dual oval pipes |
| Power (Current) | 4.4T V8 + 48V mild hybrid, 635 PS, 750 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 3.8s, 8AT AWD | Enhanced performance |
Front fascia boasts razor-sharp split headlights and massive intakes; side profile screams capability with oversized alloys.
Global Implications: EV Push Meets Luxury Caution
These reveals highlight a bifurcated industry: VW's ID.Cross accelerates affordable EV adoption in Europe, challenging Chinese exports like XPeng's Mona M03 (similar size, 430+ km CLTC range). Aston's 2030 Lagonda delay mirrors hesitancy among ultra-luxury players amid battery supply strains, while Range Rover's ICE focus caters to markets resistant to full electrification, like the Middle East. Chinese EVs dominate volume with 60%+ global BEV share in 2024 (per SNE Research), pressuring Western firms to innovate faster.
What's Next for These Models?
Expect VW ID.Cross pricing around €30,000 to rival BYD's Atto 3. Aston Lagonda could debut at Geneva or Goodwood in 2028 with 1000+ hp. Range Rover SV might hybridize further by 2027. As Chinese brands like Zeekr expand globally with superior range and ADAS, these Western entries must deliver on promises—or risk obsolescence. Stay tuned for prototypes and specs.