Volkswagen has whipped the wraps off the ID. 2all, an all-electric compact-hatch concept car, which, the Wolfsburg-based brand says, showcases where it wants to take the brand. “We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
According to the firm, the ID. 2all concept will be as spacious as the Golf yet as inexpensive as a Polo and offer an electric range of “approximately” 450 km. The ID is based on the latest iteration of the German company’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform. Its bodywork measures 4 050 mm in length, thus making it 24 mm shorter than the Polo, 1 812 mm in width (61 mm more than the Polo), and 1 530 mm in height). Compared to the eight-generation Golf, the ID. 2all is shorter (from bow to stern) yet broader and taller.
Andreas Mindt, head of design at VW, says, for the ID. 2all concept’s exterior styling, the firm has focused on three main pillars: stability, likeability and excitement. Starting with the former, the ID. 2all concept is the first VW model with a new C-pillar signature, the “backbone” of VW design. A second stabilising element is a straight line between the A- and C-pillars. The third is the car’s stance, the visual stability. According to the automaker, the vehicle’s “confident” stance creates a positive impression. Moving onto the second focus (likeability), VW says the ID. 2all front end is “characterised by upwardly rising elements. The careful use of these elements creates a confident smile.” Regarding excitement, VW says the first element here is dynamics. In addition, the manufacturer says a sporty ID. 2all-based model is also “easily” conceivable.
Inside, the compact EV features a “clear” design. The touch-enabled infotainment system’s display measures 12.9 inches. An air-conditioning control panel is sited below this screen. A 10.9-inch digital driver’s display is also present.
With the ID. 2all, VW has also focused on interior space. The luggage space is 490 litres (116 litres more than the new Golf). The utility space is rated at 1 330 litres. In addition, there is a further stowage area with a capacity of 50 litres under the rear bench seat.
The ID. 2all’s electric motor produces 166 kW, sent to the front axle, for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time “below” seven seconds. As mentioned, VW claims an all-electric range of “approximately” 450 km on a single full charge. In addition, the brand says the ID. 2all’s battery can be recharged to 80 per cent from 10 per cent in “approximately” 20 minutes.
VW says the goal is to offer the production version, which will be presented to the European market in 2025, at a starting price of €25 000. At the current Rand-Euro exchange rate, this figure translates to R487 155.75. Compared to the Polo GTI, that’s some R35 000 less expensive than the compact hot hatch and some R42 000 pricier than the 1.0-litre R-Line derivative. Of course, if the emissions-free hatch were to make its way here, with the tax placed on EVs, a fair bet would be that it should cost more.
