Volkswagen ID.LIFE: Here’s everything we know so far
The 2021 International Motor Show is well underway and Volkswagen has just revealed the ID.LIFE.
The vision? A fully electric small car for the urban environment is centred around people and communal experiences. Here’s what you need to know.
The ID. LIFE can become a mini cinema or a gaming centre, or simply be used for relaxing in the open air. It will cost approximately €20,000.
Volkswagen ID.LIFE styling
The ID.LIFE will certainly turn some heads when on the road. This is down to its pared-down design. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof contributes to the car’s purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling in the ID. LIFE, while also reducing the vehicle weight.
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.
Volkswagen ID.LIFE interior and tech
If you’re thinking of getting a car that can do it all, then the ID.LIFE could be the one for you. It 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 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.
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. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly in the ID. LIFE, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.
Volkswagen ID.LIFE drivetrains
The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, the ID. LIFE accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of some 400 kilometres (WLTP).
Volkswagen ID.LIFE release date
The ID.LIFE is still a concept car, so it will be a while until we see something similar on our roads. However, as THE car leasing comparison site, we have some of the best lease deals on the ID.3 and ID.4. If you want something different but still an EV, hit the orange link below to see all EV models you can lease right now.
