The Volkswagen ID.Life Concept EV Packs A Lot For Its Compact Size

• It is built on a specially adapted version of the MEB platform which gives it a wheelbase similar to the Taigun.

• Features a crossover-like silhouette with boxy proportions and light bars replacing proper headlights and taillight units.

• Cabin is minimalistic and can be configured to either a gaming lounge, a cinema room, or even a bed.

• Utilizes recycled materials on the interior trims, paint and the tyres.

• Is powered by a 234PS front-wheel electric motor and can go up to a WLTP-claimed 400km.

Looks like concepts have taken centre stage at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, with Volkswagen’s latest concept, the ID. Life breaking cover. It will form the basis for a new entry-level electric vehicle slotting below the ID.3, and is slated to go on sale by 2025.

The ID. Life concept utilizes a specially adapted iteration of the MEB platform to fit in the small-car segment. In fact, its 2650mm wheelbase is similar to the Taigun. In terms of design, it's a cutesy little car with a boxy shape identical to the Honda E that went into production back in 2019.

There are pretty simple light bars replacing proper headlights and taillights. Move over to the top, and there’s a detachable roof made of air chamber textile to cut down vehicular weight.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

The concept utilizes a front-wheel-drive electric motor, unlike other ID models, which are rear-wheel drives. The motor, powered by a 57kWh battery pack, pushes 234PS, and can do the 100kmph sprint in 6.9 seconds. It delivers a WLTP-claimed range of 400km. 

The cabin is fairly minimalistic, with a steering wheel (featuring all information usually displayed on the instrument cluster) and a head-up display above it. Infotainment functions are controlled via a smartphone, and the phone can be magnetically attached to the dashboard. Volkswagen has used recycled materials for the seats, dashboard, and door trims. Even the paint for the bodywork and wood trims is a natural colouring agent with a bio-based hardener. The tyres are made from bio-oil, natural rubber, and rice husks. 

The concept has got some nifty tech like a 230-volt / 16-amp power supply and cameras instead of mirrors. The ID.Life can also double up as a video game console and projector. Thanks to a projector screen that pops up behind the dashboard panel, you can essentially turn the cabin into a gaming lounge or a cinema room. It is practical too; the front and rear seats can be folded down entirely to convert the car into a cinema lounge, a bed, or even a cargo hold.

Volkswagen is targeting a rather aggressive 20,000 euros for the small electric car this concept will spawn. In India, the carmaker’s current focus is on launching the Taigun and the Tiguan soon, followed by the Vento successor. So, we don’t expect anything from the ID.Life concept here, really, at least not anytime soon.