Volkswagen brand said its ID Life crossover-styled concept previews a small full-electric car based on VW Group's MEB platform.
The ID Life was unveiled at the IAA Munich auto show. It's due to go on sale in 2025.
The production car will use an adapted version of the MEB platform, with the wheelbase shortened to about 2500 mm (about 98 inches) from 2770 mm for the ID3 compact, VW said.
The ID Life "captures our key competencies in electrification, software integration, quality and premium appeal," VW brand CEO Ralf Brandstaetter said during the car's presentation on Sept. 6.
The production version will cost 20,000 to 25,000 euros, Brandstaetter said.
The scaling of MEB platform to include small cars and resulting cost savings was the "the key to entering 20,000 euro pricing segment," he added.
The shortened MEB platform would also provide small electric models for both Skoda and Seat's Cupra upscale brand, he said, adding that the small car family would "most likely" be built in Spain.
Kerrigan Advisors’ proprietary annual OEM Survey of over 100 executives reveals that the majority of respondents are worried about the financial impact of Chinese automakers’ growing global market share, and most expect that the EV transition to be slower than expected. The survey also queried executives on their outlooks for dealership valuations and profitability, as well as their expectations for the future of dealer networks and facility requirements.
"We also intend to localize battery production there," Brandstaetter said.
Cupra showed the UrbanRebel concept at the Munich show, previewing its version of the small EV.
VW is expected to call its small electric crossover the ID1 with a hatchback sibling due later in 2027 badged ID2.
Skoda's version is expected to be called the Elroq.
The ID Life is said to be fitted with a 57-kilowatt-hour battery to give it a 400-km (249-mile) range.
The electric motor has been moved to the front of the car, making it the first MEB model to be front-wheel drive.
The e-motor's 231 hp (234 PS) power output gives the car a 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, VW claims.
VW said the car has a "pared-down" design that reduces complexity. The Life concept does away with an infotainment screen and instead uses the driver's smartphone or tablet to display information. The device magnetically attaches to the dashboard.
Driver information is either delivered through the device or via a head-up display projecting onto the windshield.
Many of the materials used in the car are recycled.
The textile use for the removable roof is made of recycled plastic bottles and is attached by zippers. The lounge-like interior also uses recycled bottles and old t-shirts to create the seat fabric.
The car include VW's latest infotainment operating system, which is upgradable via over the air updates, which can, for example, increasing power from the electric motor or upgrading the LED matrix headlight system.
The car features an integrated projector that allows users to play films onto the car's windshield.
The front seats fold forward to allow the rear seats to be used to better view movies when parked.
VW made no mention of any autonomous self-driving functions.
The steering wheel is of a yoke design as seen in the latest update to the Tesla Model S. Cameras replace both interior and exterior mirrors.
