Key points
At the International motor show in Munich, Volkswagen presented its compact entry-level concept ID. LIFE electric car.
VW state, the ID. LIFE embodies sustainability, digital technology, timeless design, and an innovative interior
ID. family to be expanded with a new model in the small car segment from 2025 onwards.
This funky looking concept car provides a preview of the ID. model in the small car segment that Volkswagen will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros ( 32,000 AUD ). This means Volkswagen is making electric mobility accessible to even more people”, says Volkswagen brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter.
The vision here is for a small electric car for the urban environment that’s centered around people and communal experiences. The concept car combines sustainability and digitalisation with extremely flexible usage.
Drive and range.
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. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, the ID. Volkswagen is stating, LIFE accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of some 400 kilometers (WLTP).
Innovative digital operating concept.
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. Music, films, and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly in the ID. LIFE, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.
Natural and recycled materials.
Volkswagen has used sustainable materials on the ID. LIFE. These include wood chips used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener used in the clear coat for the bodywork. The air chamber textile for the roof and the front cover is made from 100% percent recycled PET ( polyethylene terephthalate ) bottles. Wood is used in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds are combined with ArtVelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims. Bio-oil, natural rubber, and rice husks are just some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tyres on the ID. LIFE.
Whilst it’s good to hear Volkswagen is speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with the ACCELERATE strategy, let’s hope they drive its EV roadmap to Australia with their current EV models sooner than 2023, as they indicated earlier this year.
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