Recently unveiled by Volkswagen, The I.D. LIFE Concept is said to be the company’s first “people’s car” as an EV. The IAA 2021 in Munich has opened eyes around the world as there were quite a lot of unique cars, especially EVs. This compact crossover-type concept looks sick with unique design language both in exterior and interior and has quite a few interesting facts about it. Here’s a quick review as to what has been disclosed by Volkswagen in simpler words.

2021 Volkswagen I.D. Life Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2021 Volkswagen I.D. Life Concept
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Exterior

Based on Volkswagen’s new MEB platform which will underpin the company’s upcoming EVs, the I.D. LIFE Concept features a futuristic design. The front has in-body LED headlamps, DRLs, and an illuminating brand logo. The body color is mainly grey with a blacked-out hood and roofline. The blacked-out areas have a diamond-cut design that is usually found on seats, meaning that Volkswagen is trying to deliver the utmost uniqueness in the future with the I.D. LIFE Concept. The rear has similarly shaped taillights and a VW logo. The sides have flush door handles found on the Velar or the S-Class which definitely look great, but the production model will unlikely have these features.

In terms of dimensions, the I.D. Life Concept is around 161.6 inches long, 63 inches tall, and 72.6 inches wide. This means it would follow the same dimensions of a compact crossover. Also, the ground clearance is rated at a generous 7.5 inches, which means that the I.D. LIFE can be taken off the tarmac without much of a hassle. The 20-inch light-alloy wheels are covered by tires made of recycled materials like rice husks and PET bottles. The wheel size is quite large for a production model that is expected to come with 18 or 19-inch wheels as standard.

Volkswagen I.D. LIFE Concept

Model

2025 Volkswagen I.D. LIFE Concept

Curb Weight (lb)

TBD

Length (inches)

161.6

Width (inches)

72.6

Height (inches)

63.0

Ground Clearance (inches)

7.5

Wheelbase (inches)

104.3


Interior

As Volkswagen coins it “clear shapes, discreet colors”, the concept car gets futuristic designs and not many of them are made of high-grade materials. The use of real-wooden surfaces is seen around the dashboard that elevates the design. The steering wheel looks like it has come straight up from a video game console. The instrument display is all-digital and is laid out on the steering wheel. There’s a retractable projector screen for your movie sessions and will make you feel like you are sitting in your drawing room. Most of the cabin materials are made of PET which is basically plastic. The seats and the door panels are covered with ArtVelours Eco, which is Volkswagen’s smart way to describe the use of plastic and shredded t-shirts.

In terms of spaciousness, Volkswagen did not disclose the interior dimensions of the I.D LIFE, but we can expect a good amount of legroom because of a longer wheelbase and a good amount of headroom. As for the concept, Volkswagen has added plenty of practicality up to a whopping 45.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second row folded.

Performance and Range

The figures are impressive for a production car, and for that, we have to wait until it hits the market. The company claims that the crossover can touch 62 miles an hour from a standstill in just 6.9 seconds and tops out at 112 miles per hour.

Volkswagen’s first front-wheel-drive MEB crossover harnesses its power from a 57kWh battery pack which supports fast charging technology. According to the WLTP cycle, the I.D. LIFE can run up to 249 miles in a single charge and can add 101 miles in just 10 minutes of DC fast charging. This ensures that the crossover will be a great companion for daily commuters.

Volkswagen I.D. LIFE Concept Performance and Range

Model

2025 Volkswagen I.D. LIFE Concept

Powertrain

Electric motor w/ 57kWh battery pack

Drivetrain

MEB eco FWD

Transmission

One-speed Direct Drive

Power 

172kW / 231hp

Torque 

214 lb-ft

0-62 MPH (seconds)

6.9

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

TBD

Top Speed (MPH)

112

Range (miles)

249


Conclusion

The transformation to proper EVs is not too far away and the concepts like the I.D. LIFE brings us closer to the future and the motives of the carmakers to make better use of recycled and reused materials. The I.D. LIFE, when launched, will be targeted to the common people and will offer a better value at around $25,000. However, it is advised not to expect very similar specs as concepts come with lots of overworks in terms of overall designs.