Volkswagen ID Life concept previews compact ID 2 EV

Brandstätter added: “In the future people want more. They're always on the lookout for the next great experience. The ID Life will match this feeling. This car is ready for extraordinary experiences online and offline. It will be your living space and your companion for life.

“The ID Life proves how unique MEB is. It is the most scalable platform in the industry, and we're only just beginning to scratch the surface of what MEB can be. With this platform, scale can go through the roof. This is the key to breaking the €20,000 barrier and it will be on the road by 2025.”

ID Life introduces new concepts to EV range

The ID Life's specially adapted version of the MEB platform has a reduced 2650mm wheelbase – which is more than 100mm shorter than that of the ID 3 and ID 4. The concept is 4091mm long (making it slightly shorter than the current Volkswagen T-Cross), 1845mm wide and 1599mm high.

Unlike the existing ID models, which are rear- and all-wheel-drive, the ID Life features a single front-mounted motor that drives the front axle and produces 231bhp and 214lb ft. The decision to mount the motor on the front axle is understood to be primarily driven by cost, although VW believes there are also some packaging benefits for the rear end of the car.

The single motor can power the ID Life from 0-62mph in less than seven seconds, with power coming from a 57kWh battery that offers a range of around 248 miles. VW says that it can accept up to 101 miles of charge in 10 minutes on a DC fast-charger, although it has not detailed precise charging speeds.

VW has yet to detail the technology used in the battery cells, although the firm has been working on some lower-cost materials for the entry level models.

It is understood that those specifications and figures are the target for the entry level £17,000 version of the production version.

While the ID Life maintains some familiar ID design cues, the styling is a deliberate shift from that seen on the ID 3, ID 4 and ID 5 that have so far been revealed, signalling both the different intended use case and development of the technology. The pared-down boxy body is designed to meet the crossover brief and maximise visibility in urban areas, while the expressive design is intended to add some character to the car.

As a concept model, the ID Life does introduce a number of features that are unlikely to make the production model, including a removable roof made of an air chamber textile fabric. 

The concept also comes with a videogame console built in, along with a projector that extends from the dashboard when required allowing the car to be used as a mobile cinema. While outlandish, it is understood that VW believes it is possible to offer that extending screen in some form in future production models.

There are bench seats in the front and rear, both of which can be completely folded. VW notes that enables around two metres of rear storage, and has hinted that could enable a future commercial vehicle version.

The concept also features numerous natural and recycled materials, including the roof cover made from recycled plastic bottles, wood chips in the bodywork coating and the use of bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks. With VW aiming the car at younger, environmentally conscious customers, it is likely to introduce as many sustainable materials as possible.

Most of the controls of the car are placed on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, while instead of an infotainment system the car is designed to be operated via a smartphone, using a new integrated version of the VW.OS operating system.