Volkswagen ID. LIFE Concept might be too little too late compared to the Honda E.
When it came to creating an entry-level electric car for the new age, Honda went to its roots and found inspiration in their first-ever Civic hatchback. They used similar styling cues, proportions and created the Honda E – which is now on sale in some markets. The Honda E went on to be given the top rating by legendary automotive designer Frank Stephenson in one of his popular design review videos. It was also the first Japanese car to win German car of the year!
Now Volkswagen are looking at tackling the same segment – the small electric hatchback. They’ve also gone for a clean hatchback design, but their ID. LIFE concept just lacks that certain spark. Even the IONIQ 5 from Hyundai feels more exciting to look at than this.
There is a shadow of earlier Golf and Polo designs to the Volkswagen ID. LIFE, but the link to the past is just not strong enough here. It comes across as a little generic and too clean and lacking in character.
VW ID. LIFE Performance and Sustainability
The ID. LIFE is built around a smaller version of the MEB platform and has a 234hp electric motor driving the front wheels. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a range of 400km.
Volkswagen has conceptualized this car to be more eco-friendly in all aspects. The paint’s clear coat layer uses wood chips in its formulation as well as bio-based hardeners. There’s an air chamber textile that’s used for the roof and recycled PET bottles were used for the front cover. A material called Artvelours Eco was used on the upholstery and door panels and just like the Honda E, wood is used on the dashboard as a natural trim piece.
Other sustainable materials used include bio-oil, natural rubber, and rice husks that go into the tyres. Will the production version have such tyres? We’re not sure.
Here’s the press release with more on the VW ID. LIFE
PRESS RELEASE
Multifunctional interior. The ID. LIFE is a reliable companion for digital experiences of all kinds. In next to no time it can be converted into a cinema or a gaming lounge, as a game console and projector are on board. A projection screen extends out of the dashboard whenever required. Additional devices can be connected individually and are supplied with power from a 230 volt / 16 amp connection in the interior. The seating concept is designed to be extremely flexible for a variety of situations. The front bench can be folded down completely. Together with the rear seat, which can also be folded down, numerous variants are possible, from cinema seating to an approximately two-meter-long bed to a cargo variant with maximum usable trunk.
Innovative digital operating concept. Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch control panel on the hexagonal, open-top steering wheel. A smartphone can also be integrated into the operating system. For example, navigation can be controlled via your own device, and music, movies and games can be seamlessly integrated and displayed on the projection screen in the vehicle.
ACCELERATE strategy accelerates transformation. The extension of the BEV model portfolio in the small car segment at prices from about 20,000 euros is another important step towards fully electrified mobility. By 2030, Volkswagen anticipates increasing the share of pure electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to an expected 70 percent and in North America and China to about 50 percent.
