Volkswagen's ID.Life is a look at the automaker's future entry-level EVs

Volkswagen’s ID.Life is the company’s first front wheel drive MEB platform vehicle. Images: Volkswagen

Volkswagen revealed the cute ID.Life concept car at Munich’s IAA Mobility this week, and despite a striking resemblance to the Honda e, VW’s future city car offering is based on Wolfsburg’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform architecture, resulting in a vehicle with a much larger footprint than Honda’s.

Electric city cars are a perennial challenge for automakers. Development and battery costs can make their business case knife-edge thin, and profitability is certainly not guaranteed in this segment. The ID.Life is the first front wheel drive EV from the brand based on the MEB matrix, and will offer a 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, drawing power from a 57 kWh battery. Volkswagen claims a WLTP range of around 400km (249 miles), and a zero to 100 km/h (zero to 62 mph) time of 6.9 seconds.

“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”

Volkswagen is trying to improve the sustainability and recyclability of its future products, and the ID.Life offers a clear-coat derived from wood chips and a bio-based hardener. Recycled PET bottles comprise large sections of interior plastics, and in an industry first, bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are compounds found in the tyres. With pollution from tyres across their whole lifespan — from manufacture, to use and disposal — a critical issue even for EV owners, it’s great to see VW pushing this technology.

Wait, is that the Tesla Model Y Yoke?

On the inside, the hexagonal open-topped steering wheel bears a striking resemblance to that of Tesla’s Plaid Model S, and a touch panel built into the wheel gives the driver access to important vehicle functions. Volkswagen is advertising a multifunctional interior; the ID.Life offers folding front and rear seating, a 230V power outlet, and a projection screen with video game console. This approach aims to be replicating Xpeng’s private cinema option in the P5 sedan.

Volkswagen aims to roll out a production model based on this concept study by 2025, and aims to increase its share of all-electric models in Europe to at least 70 per cent of total vehicle sales, and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.

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First look at Volkswagen's upcoming ID.5 GTX electric SUV coupe

Personally, I hate the “SUV coupe” nomenclature that has sprung up over the last few years, but the industry seems to have adopted it with vigour. Traditionally, the term coupe came from a four-wheeled vehicle that could hold two passengers. In the mid-20th century, it came to define desirable, low-roofed sports cars that could carry two passengers comfortably, and four at a pinch.

Are they pointless? Perhaps. after all, the whole point of an SUV is to carry more stuff and more bodies over a wagon or sedan right? Are they going anywhere? absolutely not.

And so it goes with the Volkswagen Group. We’ve seen Audi introduce various Q3/Q5/Q8 sloping-roof-coupe-things to much sales success; Porsche lopped the back off its Cayenne to produce the Cayenne Coupe, and now we have the group’s first all-electric coupe SUV variant.

The ID.5 range will include this range-topping GTX model, sharing the same dual-motor AWD setup as its ID.4 GTX sibling, as well as it’s 77 kWh (net) battery. Volkswagen claims a 250 mile (402 km) range. A single-motor rear wheel drive variant will also be available.

Volkswagen has faced a slow start to sales of its electric ID range in China, however sales in Europe have eclipsed the likes of Kia’s Niro EV, the Skoda Enyaq, Volvo XC40 Recharge and its sister ID.3 electric hatch, and sales in North America must be pleasing Wolfsburg; the ID.4 made up 4.8 per cent of Volkswagen North America’s total sales in Q2 2021.

Autogefühl already has a first drive impression video which you can watch below, and Volkswagen has provided additional exterior driving footage.

Expect a full reveal during Munich’s IAA Mobility 2021 on September 5.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen EV Convertible could join ID.3 range according to CEO

VW CEO shares concept sketches of possible future electric ID.3 variant

Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing the following text and sketch image on Linkedin:

“An ID.3 convertible? Sounds quite appealing: enjoying nature with the top down, with the instant, but silent electric punch. This could provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom. I admit: a very tempting idea. We are still pondering how to turn this attractive concept into reality. Just in case, our design team has already sketched out some initial ideas. The most exciting question: what do YOU think? Would electric driving and an open-air-experience make a perfect match?”

Of course, any new model has to go through a rigorous design and approval process; most manufacturers spend five-plus years developing a new model, meaning that this is a tease in the true sense of the word and that the ID.3 convertible is already a fait accompli for the brand in the coming years, or Brandstätter could genuinely be gauging public interest before the board gives the project a green light.

We’re a fan of Volkswagen convertibles with a Mark VI Golf cabriolet currently in our extended family. These ID.3 convertible sketches capture the blunt rear and deep sides of the early Golf cabriolets (though sadly without the roll-over hoop) whilst maintaining the ID.3 hatchback’s agressive, snub-nose front.

The ID.3 convertible has an uphill battle ahead though, with cabriolet and roadster sales on the decline in recent years, as more and more consumers around the world purchase SUVs (much to our chagrin). Mercedes-Benz has cancelled the SLC roadster, Mini has stated that the Mini Cooper cabriolet won’t make it to the next generation of vehicles and it could be last drinks for Audi’s iconic TT roadster.

If the ID.3 convertible does indeed make it to market, then it will be the first four-seat all electric vehicle on sale. When you think about it, an EV drivetrain is perfect for open top motoring: Zero noise means passengers are able to enjoy the sounds of nature as they whizz through the Schwarzwald or along the Côte d'Azur, and zero emissions results in a healthier driving experience.

The ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are scheduled to arrive in Australia from 2023.

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Volkswagen's electric ID.6 SUV revealed in documents filed with Chinese government

VOLKSWAGEN TO DEBUT chinese built full-size id.6 SUV

Leaked images of Volkswagen’s new ID.6 full-size electric SUV have appeared online thanks to regulatory filings with the Chinese government. Based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show, The ID.6 is expected to have an 82kWh battery with 150KW charging and 450km range (WLTP) Power in the concept car was rated at 225 kilowatts (302 horsepower) from a pair of electric motors, and Volkswagen estimated acceleration to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in 6.6 seconds.

The VW ID.6 is the third vehicle to be based on the company’s MEB platform architecture, and share’s many design cues with the ID.3 and ID.4. At this stage it appears that it will be produced exclusively for the domestic Chinese market. While one might expect countries such as the USA, Australia and South Africa to be a perfect fit for the ID.6, it’s likely that Volkswagen is using the upcoming ID.4 to test the waters of the electric SUV market.

The ID.6 will likely debut at Auto Shanghai on April 21 2021.

Source: Autocar

The VW ID.6 is based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept, and at this stage is China-only. Source: Volkswagen AG

The VW ID.6 has evolved into a more conservative form, with fewer sweeping curves and trick details from the concept car.

A broad, imposing rear profile, the VW ID.6 is a large SUV that Volkswagen is no doubt considering for the US market.

Volkswagen's ID.4 launches in the UK, 1st Edition specification priced from £40,800

VW’s ID.4 LANDS IN THE UK, WITH DELIVERIES COMMENCING IN MARCH 2021

• Featuring a 77kWh battery with 498 kilometres (310 miles) range (WLTP)

• Rear-motor, 150kW/310Nm

• Available initially as 1st Edition trim level only

• Priced from £40,800 RRP OTR, or approximately £37,800 after Plug-in Car Grant

• Available in dealerships from March 2021

VW has launched the ID.4 electric SUV in the UK market, priced from £37,800 after the government Plug-in Car Grant. Initially only available in the 1st Edition trim, the ID.4 features a single rear motor producing 150 kW, with a maximum torque output of 310 Nm.

The ID.4 will be able to rapidly charge up to 125kW. Images: Volkswagen UK

WIth a 77 kWh net capacity, the ID.4 offers an official WLTP range of 498 kilometres (310 miles), however take that with a grain of salt, as real-world driving has shown a 10-15 per cent reduction on this figure. Luckily the ID.4 offers fast charging capacity up to 125kW, allowing ID.4 owners to add around 320km (199 miles) in 30 minutes. The battery pouch cells and pack are manufactured by LG Chem in Poland, featuring the company’s NCM 712 battery cells. These batteries have been in production since 2020, and feature the company’s new chemistry of 7 parts nickel to 1 part cobalt to 2 parts manganese, providing greater energy density, reduced manufacturing costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The ID.4 is pictured in striking Honey Yellow with contrasting silver-painted roof arch.

Similar to the launch variant of the ID.3 1ST Edition, the ID.4 first edition features special badging, an interior with Artvelours micro-fleece seats with Florence Brown highlights, and a selection of colours including Glacier White, Blue Dusk, Honey Yellow (pictured) and Manganese Grey.

The VW ID.4 features Artvelours micro-fibre seats, and a driver zone and infotainment system from the ID.3 hatchback.

A full suite of safety features are included, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist with blind spot warning, autonomous emergency breaking and front and rear parking sensors. the 10-inch Discover Pro navigation system is included, and is controlled via a rather prominent screen perched on the dash like the ID.3. The nifty ID. Light is also included, which flashes, pulses and changes colour to communicate various information to drivers such as navigation instructions, charging status or responses to voice input.

The ID.4 is based on Volkswagens Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.

Sadly, There are no plans to bring any electrified Volkswagen model to Australia any time before 2023 according to Car Expert. With little in the way of emissions standards, fuel quality standards or EV incentives, Australia is not seen as a priority for companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or Kia. While China, the United States and the United Kingdom have strict CO2 emissions requirements for new vehicles, they also offer incentives for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles, providing an ultimatum for automakers to cease retailing internal-combustion engined cars.