VW is ramping up its electrification push with its ‘ID’ nameplate and this simple yet innovative concept suggests how vehicles smaller than the Golf-sized ID.3 will line-up in the future.
Bosses at the German company believe the ID. Life concept is a car that will appeal to young, eco-savvy drivers when it goes on sale in just four years’ time with a starting price of around £17,000.
Despite the box-shaped design study being dubbed ID. Life, the road-going equivalent will more than likely adopt the vacant ID.2 badge due to its crossover DNA and more family-friendly five-door layout.
At 4,091mm, the ID. Life has a similar footprint to the Polo supermini, although the styling is a great deal funkier and in the case of the headlamps and tail-lights incredibly detailed. Being electric, thought has also been given to weight saving hence the air chamber textile roof that can be removed entirely.
Held in place with zips, it conceals a crossbar once removed, although this element – and some others on the ID. Life – are unlikely to make it into production in an effort to keep the price as low as possible.
The same material is used in the construction of the bonnet, the leading edge of which flips open to reveal the charging port and an eight-litre compartment in which to store the charging cable. Bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks all feature in the construction of the vehicle’s tyre rubber compound, while the car’s Daz white clear coat paintwork is achieved using wood chips and an organic hardener.
The innovation continues inside the ID. Life where the dashboard is part-built from wood; this material is used for the rear seat surrounds and is paired with eco-velour on the seat surfaces and door trims.
The cabin’s minimalist, decluttered layout is an intentional one, with Volkswagen claiming the flexible seating arrangement means it can be “converted into a cinema or gaming lounge” in seconds. Added practicality comes by way of a decent 225-litre boot and a further 108-litres of space below the floor.
A video game console and projector, a nine-inch digital display in the top half of the dashboard and door pockets with integrated wireless charging for smartphones is just some of the technology at the driver’s fingertips. An open-topped steering wheel also incorporates shortcut keys to access media.
Powering the ID. Life is a front axle-mounted electric motor that develops 213bhp for a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. Despite this peppy performance, Volkswagen says the 54kWh battery can deliver up to 248-miles of range and with its fast-charging capability, can add 100 miles of range in ten minutes.
“The ID. Life is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. In creating the ID. Life, we’ve consistently focused on the needs of younger customers,” said Volkswagen CEO, Ralf Brandstätter.
“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,” he added.
