Volkswagen has announced it will launch an ID model in the small car segment in 2025, two years ahead of schedule.

The news came as the manufacturer unveiled its ID.Life concept car at the International Motor Show IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich today.

This will give an impression of how Volkswagen sees a vehicle of this type for an urban environment would work.

Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “The ID.Life is our vision of next generation fully electric mobility.

“The concept car provides a preview of an ID model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 Euros.

“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 that.”

The concept vehicle is front-wheel drive, has a 57kWh battery for a range of around 250 miles, and a 234PS motor to give it a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds.

Its multi-functional interior can be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge and comes with a video game console and projector, as well a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required.

Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors, while essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel.

Launching an small car in the ID range is part of Volkswagen Group’s Accelerate strategy and by 2030, it 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%.

Last month, Volkswagen confirmed that it will expand its EV line-up this year with the introduction of the ID5 SUV Coupe.

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