Volkswagen unveils affordable ID.2all EV

VOLKSWAGEN has shown the world its long-awaited all-electric “people’s car” this week, the ID.2all concept set to follow in the tyre treads of models like the Beetle and Golf in bringing affordable mobility to the masses.

Set to launch in 2025, Volkswagen says the five-door ID.2all will be priced from under €25,000 ($A40,000), the model utilising the German brand’s clever MEB Entry front-wheel drive platform to provide roughly the same driving experience and performance as the current Polo GTI.

The front-mounted motor dishes out 166kW of power to enable a 0-100km/h time of “less than seven seconds”, while promising up to 450km driving range and a top speed of 160km/h.

Volkswagen has yet to divulge battery specifications but says the ID.2all can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes from a DC fast charger.

Based on the MEB Entry platform and measuring 234mm shorter than the current Golf Mark 8 but with a 2600mm wheelbase – around 30mm shorter than the Golf’s – the ID.2all crosses the tape at 4050mm in length, 1812mm in width and 1530mm in height.

The dimensions provide up to 490 litres of cargo space with the seats in place and 1330 litres with the 60:40 split-fold seats laid flat. There is an additional lockable storage box located beneath the model’s rear seat.

While VW has yet to provide full specifications for the model, it has offered several details that are likely to be included in the production range. These include LED Matrix headlights and LED tail-lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, concealed rear door handles, and an impressive array of interior tech.

Jumping inside the cabin, we find a ‘floating’ centre console and a large panoramic roof.

The vehicle is also fitted with a head-up display, climate control display, inductive charging pads and USB-C ports front and rear, magnetic phone holders, powered seats with massage function, and a 230V vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet.

In addition, we find gigantic infotainment and instrumentation screens measuring 12.9- and 10.9 inches respectively.

Safety technology is also well represented with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, park assist with memory function and more.

“We are transforming the company rapidly and fundamentally, with the clear objective of making Volkswagen a genuine Love Brand,” said Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schafer.

“The ID.2all shows where we want to take the brand. We want to be close to the customer and offer top technology in combination with fantastic design. We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.”

Mr Schafer said the production version of the ID.2all is one of 10 new all-electric models that will be launched by the brand by 2026.

This year, VW will introduce its ID.3 and long-wheelbase ID.Buzz, as well as the ID.7 (also known as Trinity) in Europe. These will be followed by a compact electric SUV, and an even cheaper and more compact EV with a sub €20,000 ($A32,000) sticker price.

The forthcoming range is expected to give Volkswagen the broadest range of electric vehicles in its competitor set, the brand aiming to have an 80 per cent share of Europe’s EV market within the next three to five years.