By Edward A. Sanchez – Sept. 7, 2021
With the ID.3 and ID.4 now in full production, and the ID.Buzz (or whatever it is ultimately called) right around the corner, it was a fairly safe bet that Volkswagen would debut some other electrified concept model at IAA 2021. And we were not disappointed. Volkswagen pulled the sheet of its ID. LIFE concept at this year’s show, giving a glimpse at its vision for a future urban-focused EV.
Unlike some other urban-oriented cars that have debuted lately, like the Citroën Ami (and its doppelgänger the Opel Rocks-e), the ID. LIFE is a real car, inasmuch as its capabilities don’t limit it to just a slow-moving urban center.
Check out the specs on this bad boy: 172 kW (231 hp) motor, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.9 seconds, and a 57 kWh battery for a targeted 400 km (249 mile) WLTP range. These are legitimate, solid figures. Maybe not record-breaking or earth-shattering, but solidly competent and practical. Interestingly, the ID. LIFE is the first vehicle from VW’s ID family to be front-wheel-drive.
As a purely subjective aside, we’re big fans of the ID. LIFE’s looks, with a shape and styling cues that give it a strong resemblance to the first-generation Golf (sold in the U.S. as the Rabbit). If you liked the styling of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you’ll probably like the ID. LIFE, which has similar proportions, but in a more scale-appropriate size for what expectations are for a hatchback.
But fun-to-drive is only one facet of the ID. LIFE. Another (big surprise) is the sustainability story. Throughout the ID. LIFE are materials with an eco-theme. The paint features a bio-based clearcoat, and actual wood chips in the finish to give it a shabby eco-chic vibe. The “air chamber textile” (whatever that is) for the front cargo area and roof are made from 100% recycled PET bottles, and the interior is finished in ArtVelours Eco upholstery material. Even the tires are in on the eco party, utilizing bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks.
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The interior of the ID. LIFE is focused on practicality, with seating that can fold flat for maximum cargo or occupant versatility, including a 6.6-foot bed. Naturally, technology is a big focus, with a video game console and projector, and a projector screen that deploys from the dashboard when in use. The interior also features a 230V, 16A outlet (the European power standard) inside for maximum versatility.
One feature of the interior that I hope doesn’t make it into production is a yoke-style steering wheel. While the “Y” word isn’t used, VW does call it an “open-top” wheel. Nope, nope, nope. I’ve made my feelings clear on this subject. This needs to stay in the concept stage.
Although clearly still at the concept stage, VW is talking seriously enough about the ID. LIFE to mention pricing, which it is targeting at between €20,000-25,000, which would make it competitive in the B or C segment. Aside from the aforementioned steering wheel, we like almost everything we see with the ID. LIFE and can’t wait to see the production version.
(Images courtesy Volkswagen)
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