IAA Munich 2021: Volkswagen ID. Life Concept Makes Global Debut

At the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Volkswagen has showcased the ID. Life Concept car as part of its strategy to make sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025. The all electric car based on the ID. Life concept will cater to the small car segment and will cost approximately 20,000 Euros. This is one way of penetrating the market with good electric cars for a sustainable future. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70 per cent and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.

The ID. Life is the smallest car on the MEB platform

The design of the ID. Life is strikingly clear, pared-down and high-quality. Decorative elements and add-on parts are dispensed with, as is any complex mix of materials. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof also contributes to the car's purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling while also reducing the vehicle weight.

An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling while also reducing the vehicle weight.

The ID. Life also showcases the versatility of Volkswagen's modular electric drive matrix (MEB), as it will be the smallest car based on this platform. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 231 bhp electric motor, the ID. Life accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of some 400 kilometres.

The ID. Life gets a range of 400 kilometres

The sustainable character of the ID. Life is reflected particularly in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. In the interior, wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is 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.

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Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated in the operating system

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 in no time at all. 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. This enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating, to a bed measuring around two metres in length, to a cargo version that maximises luggage volume.

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 in 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.