THE Volkswagen ID. life wants to show us not only how the future ID.2 electric crossover could be, but also wants to be a decisive step in the democratization of the electric vehicle.
Promised is a price between 20 thousand and 25 thousand euros when it is launched in 2025. If it still seems high considering the segment of the market it will occupy, it is a clear drop in relation to trams in its class today, with prices around 30 thousand euros.
The ID Life presents itself with dimensions similar to the T-Cross. It is 4.09 m long, 1.845 m wide, 1.599 m high and 2.65 m wheelbase, respectively, 20 mm shorter, 63 mm wider, 41 mm taller, but with the axles separated at 87mm longer than the T-Cross.
Crossover with intentions to leave the asphalt. Volkswagen announces a 26º entry and 37º exit angle.
The first MEB “all ahead”
After the CUPRA UrbanRebel, the Volkswagen ID. Life is the second model to use the new MEB Small, the shorter variant of the Volkswagen Group's specific platform for trams.
Compared with the ID.3, so far the most compact model to make use of the MEB, the ID. Life has a wheelbase reduced by 121 mm and is 151 mm shorter than this one, despite being 36 mm wider (perhaps because it's a concept and it has to make a good first impression).
Unlike other IDs, the ID. Life and hence the future ID.2 is an "all ahead".
Another curious fact is that the ID. Life is also the first MEB-derived model to have only front-wheel drive (engine is also front-mounted) — all others are either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (and two engines). A demonstration of the flexibility of MEB that allows you to choose the configuration that best suits the needs of each model.
Accessible, but without forgetting performance
Despite wanting to show a simpler view, with reduced levels of complexity and very focused on sustainability, of what should be an urban-oriented electric crossover, the ID. Life mounts a powerful 172 kW or 234 hp electric motor and 290 Nm of maximum torque on the front axle — figures worthy of a small hot hatch.
Power that allows, Volkswagen declares, to reach 100 km/h in just 6.9s and reach 180 km/h of top speed (electronically limited).
The prototype is equipped with a 57 kWh battery which should allow a range of up to 400 km according to the WLTP cycle. Although it does not indicate the maximum charging power, Volkswagen says that 10 minutes are enough to add up to 163 km of autonomy at a high-speed charging station.
Embracing simplicity, also in design
The Volkswagen ID. Life distinguishes itself from other members of the ID family. by its design. It's not the first crossover in the family — we already know the ID.4, for example — but the contrast couldn't be greater when looking at the concept.
ID.Life reduces and simplifies volumes, shapes and stylistic elements, resulting in a crossover with a clean look and more… “square”, without giving in to decorative temptations. But it appears robust, as you want in this type of vehicle.
This impression is given by the large wheels (20″) “pushed” into the corners of the bodywork; the trapezoidal mudguards, outlined and standing out from the rest of the bodywork; and by the more prominent back shoulder. A robust C-pillar, with a strong inclination, could not be missing, reminiscent of the unavoidable Golf.
The proportions turn out to be quite familiar — a typical five-door hatchback — and the more graphic elements, such as the front and rear optics, are minimalist, but the end result is appealing and a breath of fresh air in relation to the complexity and aggressiveness that marks so much car design today.
Minimalist interior
Inside is no different. The theme of reduction, minimalism and sustainability — the use of recycled and recyclable materials is one of the main features of ID. Life — is omnipresent.
The dashboard stands out for the absence of controls or… screens. The information necessary for driving is projected on the windshield, with a head-up display and it is on the hexagonal and open-top steering wheel that most controls are located, up to the gear selector.
The ID Life also uses our smartphone as an infotainment system and to control features such as navigation and communication and is “stuck” to the dashboard via the use of a magnet.
Digitization also serves the purpose of simplification. We can see controls projected onto the wooden surface, there are no mirrors (there are cameras in their place) and even access to the vehicle is carried out through a camera and facial recognition software.
The interior can even be converted into a lounge for watching movies or playing games, thanks to the flexibility of the seats, as well as the presence of a retractable projection screen in front of the dashboard.
Sustainability on the agenda
As mentioned, sustainability is a strong theme at Volkswagen ID. Life — and in the various concepts seen at the Munich Motor Show in general, such as the bold BMW i Vision Circular.
The body panels use wood chips as a natural dye, the removable roof has a textile air chamber that is made from recycled PET (the same plastic as water or soda bottles) and the tires use materials such as biological oils, rubber natural and rice husks. Still on the theme of tires, crushed remains of these are used as rubberized paint in the vehicle entrance area.
Ralf Brandstätter, Volkswagen Executive Director"ID.Life is our vision for the next generation of all-electric urban mobility. This prototype is a preview of an ID.model in the segment of compact cars that we will launch in 2025, with a price of around 20,000 euros. This means that we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people.”
