Sympathetically angular – ID.Life: VW is serious about the entry-level Stromer


In 2030, 70 percent of all new cars in Europe with the VW logo are to be operated purely electrically. To do this, of course, the Wolfburgers also have to reach the masses. The VW ID.3 is too expensive for the role of the “electric Volkswagen”, but in 2025 a small car should go on the hunt for smaller purses. The ID-Life study, which will be presented at the IAA Mobility (September 7th to 12th) in Munich, shows what that might look like.

In contrast to the previous versions of the ID line, which were drawn in a rounded shape, the ID.Life is angular and shows a friendly, sympathetic face with its lights. More like a Honda e than its sibling. The body is designed quite clearly, decorative elements and attachments are dispensed with, as is a complex mix of materials. 19 centimeters of ground clearance and an angle of approach of 26 ° at the front and 37 ° are ideal for driving pleasure on unpaved roads.

Powerful engine performance
The ID.Life is based on a smaller version of the modular electric drive kit (MEB). A 172 kW / 234 PS electric motor drives the front wheels – for the first time in an MEB vehicle. Acceleration from zero to 100 km / h takes 6.9 seconds. The high-voltage battery with an energy content of 57 kWh enables a WLTP range of around 400 kilometers.

Some recycled material was used
A customizable and removable roof made of air chamber textile turns the small Stromer into a convertible with a fixed rear section. The roof and the front cover are made from 100 percent recycled PET bottles. In the clear coat for the body, wood chips are used as a natural coloring agent and a bio-based hardener. Among other things, bio-oil, natural rubber and rice hulls are used as raw materials for the tires of the ID. LIFE. In the interior, wood certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is combined for the surrounds of the dashboard and rear seating area with Artvelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door panels as well as textile for the headrests and door mirror cushions. Shredded old tires give the rubber paint finish for entry-level areas a particularly distinctive surface structure.

A lot of space
The luggage compartment in the rear has a capacity of 225 liters, plus 108 liters below the load compartment floor. If the rear seat backrest and the front passenger seat backrest are folded down, the luggage compartment volume can be expanded to up to 1285 liters. Another 68 liter storage space can be used under the air chamber textile cover in the front area. A volume of around 8 liters is also available under a separate front flap to accommodate a charging cable. In addition to the charging connection for the high-voltage battery, there is also a power connection with 230 volts (16 A), via which external electrically operated devices can be supplied.

New digital operating concept
Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Gear selection, indicators, horn and windshield wipers are controlled via a touch control panel on the hexagonal, open-top steering wheel. Navigation, communication and infotainment functions are controlled via your own mobile phone, which can be integrated and allows online access to all vehicle data.

The ID.Life can be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge in no time at all. Game console and projector are on board. A projection screen that extends out of the dashboard serves as the screen.

VW specifies 20,000 to 25,000 euros as the base price. You won’t get a convertible for the same amount as the engine, which is more powerful than the VW ID.3.