The VW ID.Life is more than just a finger exercise for detail-loving designers. Technically, the concept vehicle gives a realistic outlook on VW’s small electric vehicle, which is due to hit the market in 2025. A first short test drive gives a first impression of what the Small BEV can do.
The VW electromobility fleet is missing a downward curve after the e-Up has been phased out. And such an electric vehicle is indispensable for urban mobility in particular. But at the car manufacturer from Lower Saxony, it will take a while before this gap is closed. “The ID. Life is our vision of the next generation of fully electric urban mobility. The study gives an initial outlook on an ID. Brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter.
The concept car that was on display at the IAA Mobility is of course still quite playful with an LED light grille that demands special effects and the hood made of fabric that can be opened with a zip. The textile roof can also be removed if necessary, which creates a bit of a Targa feeling. Even the interior with the wooden dashboard and the touch surfaces in the steering wheel suggests more study than reality. But when it comes to space economics, the tide is turning towards reality. Because in the back there is also space for people around 1.85 meters tall without having to put their knees next to their ears.
The dimensions of the vehicle make it quite clear where the city flea’s journey is going. The VW ID.Life is 4,090 meters long, 1,845 meters wide and 1,599 high. The wheelbase is at least 2.65 meters, which is also shown by the short overhangs. “From the platform we are already very close to the series,” explains Dzemal Sjenar, who is responsible for the concept cars and studies. The small electric car is based on the MEB 21 / MEB small family variant of the modular electrical construction kit. That means front-wheel drive and, in the study for this segment, an impressive 172 kW / 234 PS and a sprinting ability from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds. There is a 57 kilowatt hour high-voltage battery in the underbody, which enables a range of around 400 kilometers.
Enough of the preface. Now we swing behind the steering wheel, which looks like the valance of a Formula 1 racing car. How should the overlapping work there? This question is yet to be answered. The start-up is already quite relaxed. We cannot yet allow ourselves to make a full judgment, as the speed of the concept vehicle is limited to 40 km / h. Nevertheless, we are impressed by the chassis, which also copes well with the annoying hopping run over a rock-strewn stretch of rough road. The comparatively long suspension travel also helps, because the VW ID.Life is basically a BEV crossover, the ground clearance of which is somewhat concealed by the battery, but is still 19 centimeters.
The VW ID.Life is absolutely not like a study that you carry around the track like a sack full of raw eggs. On the contrary. Briefly tapping the accelerator pedal, as is typical of an electric vehicle, immediately leads to a reaction in the form of a brief acceleration. It is noticeable how quiet it is in the concept vehicle. Speaking of impressive. The turning circle of the electric city flea is very small. There is no need to change your grip on the steering wheel, as the front wheels can be turned far. By the way, the front axle is the MacPherson variant, i.e. a double wishbone axle. There will also be a little bit of the old world at the E-Stadtfloh.
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