At the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, Volkswagen has presented an all-electric compact crossover concept car, the ID. LIFE.
Volkswagen is once again speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned.
Volkswagen said that the ID. family model for the small car segment will cost approximately 20,000 euros. The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment.
With its 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, the ID. LIFE accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57-kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of 400 kilometres (WLTP). This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB platform has front-wheel drive, according to Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development.
“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,” he said. “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.”
According to VW, the ID. LIFE is a reliable companion for digital experiences of various kinds. For example, it can be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge. The vehicle comes with a video game console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required.
Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230-volt / 16-amp power supply in the interior. The seating design, too, is extremely flexible, in keeping with the idea of the car as a companion for all situations and lifestyles. For instance, the front seat bench can be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench.
Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated into the operating system. Personal devices – whether smartphones or tablets – can be used to operate the navigation system, for instance.
Volkswagen is truly working to become an electric powerhouse in the next few years as it has already introduced the highly popular ID.3 and ID.4 and in the near future the ID.6.