The Volkswagen Group is again speeding up its e-mobility transformation with its Accelerate strategy. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70% and in North America and China to at least 50%.

Part of that strategy includes launching an ID. family small EV starting around €20,000, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025—two years earlier than originally planned. The VW ID. LIFE concept car shown at IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich is a preview of that vehicle.

The brand’s executives say that the vision for the fully electric small car for the urban environment is centered around people and “communal experiences.” The concept car combines sustainability and digitalization with flexible usage—whether that be a mini cinema, a gaming center, or open-air relaxation.

“We are making electric mobility accessible to even more people,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this.”

VW classifies the concept as a crossover with four doors, a large boot lid, a raised seating position, and variable interior space. It says that the car’s design is pared down, without decorative elements, add-on parts, or a complex mix of materials for muscular proportions and reduced complexity.

The concept is 4091 mm (161.1 in) long, 1845 mm (72.6 in) wide, and 1599 mm (63.0 in) tall on a 2650-mm (104.3-in) wheelbase. VW says its compact dimensions, all-around visibility, ground clearance of 190 mm (7.5 in), and 26-degree approach and 37-degree departure angles make it well-equipped for off-roading.

In front, a translucent surface replaces the space normally reserved for headlights and a radiator grille. During the day, the surface features three circles in satin-finished glass with a connecting light line in a modern interpretation of the familiar VW face. The two outer circles are for parking and daytime running lights, while the center circle features the illuminated brand logo. At night, matrix LED headlights are switched on behind the translucent surface. The rear has similar light graphics as the front, with the light source located centrally in the two outer circles performing the brake light function.

The concept is based on a variant of VW’s MEB modular electric drive matrix (MEB) developed specifically for the small-car segment. It marks the first time an MEB vehicle has front-wheel drive.

“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is,” said Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans. 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.”

The car’s 172-kW and 290-N·m (214-lb·ft) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor provides 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 6.9 s and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). Its 57-kW·h high-voltage battery enables a range of up to 400 km (249 mi) on the WLTP cycle. The charging speed is up to 163 km (101 mi) of range in 10 min.

The concept’s sustainability focus is reflected in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the body clear coat, wood chips are used as a natural coloring agent and the hardener is bio-based. This reflects the vision of using a recyclate for car-body construction that has the potential to eliminate the need for additional paint finishes in future vehicles.

The removable roof’s “air chamber” textile, made from 100% recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, allows some light through for an open-air feeling while also reducing vehicle weight. Bio-oil, natural rubber, and rice husks are just some of the eco-materials in the 235/45 R20 tires.

Inside the car, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood for the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is combined with ArtVelours Eco PET material for the seat surfaces and door trims.

Seating is designed to be flexible for different situations and lifestyles. Storage space can be expanded or occupant comfort enhanced according to needs. Front and rear seat benches can be completely folded down. This enables a range of possibilities from movie watching, to a bed measuring around 2 m (6.6 ft) long, to a cargo version that maximizes luggage volume.

The rear luggage compartment has a 225 L (7.9 ft³) volume, plus another 108 L (3.8 ft³) under the floor. When the rear-seat backrest and front passenger seat backrest are folded down, cargo volume can be expanded to as much as 1285 L (45.4 ft³). An additional 68-L (2.4 ft³) storage space can be used under the air-chamber textile cover in front.

The concept’s digital experience relies heavily on personal devices, which are easily integrated into the operating system. For instance, smartphones or tablets can be used to operate the navigation system. Music, videos, and games stored on those devices can also be used in the car, with visuals displayed on a projection screen that extends from the instrument panel.

Cameras and a display replace exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions—like gear selection, turn signal, horn, and windshield wipers—are controlled via a touch panel on the open-topped steering wheel.