Volkswagen is previewing a future electric compact crossover with the ID. Life show car. For now, it remains a concept, though sources reveal that the forward thinking of the ID. Life has created a shift in how the company is planning its future models.
What's behind the design of the Volkswagen ID. Life?
A key aspect of the Volkswagen ID. Life is a reductive design that offers a more sustainable approach. For starters, the bodywork has a clear coat rather than paint and this is created using wood chips as a natural colouring agent. The simple but attractive design includes a front storage area that is enclosed by a soft material cover made of 'air chamber textile' that is fabricated from recycled plastic bottles.
The interior is designed to maximise space and features a rear bench that is more sofa than car seat. Its front bench seat can be folded down, as can the rear bench. A built-in video games console and projector for a screen that extends from the dashboard can turn the ID. Life into an entertaining place to hang out while the car is charging, for example.
"The ID. Life is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros. This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people", says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
"In creating the ID. Life, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won't simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. Life is our answer to this."
Volkswagen ID. Life performance and range
Like other ID models from Volkswagen, this concept uses the modular 'MEB' platform architecture, but it is the first time that this has been used for a front-wheel-drive layout. The car uses a 172kW (234hp) electric motor that is powered by a 57kWh battery to give it a driving range of around 400 kilometres. It will be brisk too, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds. That makes it more powerful than the Volkswagen ID.4 and is similar to the type of performance seen in the Golf GTI.
"The ID. Life proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans," says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. "It's the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We're just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update."
There is no set date for when we might see a production version of the ID. Life, but this gives a preview of what to expect from Volkswagen in the coming years.