Volkswagen premieres compact EV concept

Volkswagen has revealed the ID. 2all concept at an event in Hamburg, providing an early indication of the brand’s next addition to the all-electric line-up. Volkswagen says it is “again placing [a] greater focus on design,” which recently appointed head of design and former Bentley man, Andreas Mindt, says will be based on the three key tenets: “stability, likeability and enthusiasm.”

Expected to arrive in 2025 the concept is not the finished product just yet, but there has clearly been a redesign of the front end – “a friendly face” in VW’s words – although to this writer’s eyes is not a million miles away from the most recent Golf generation.

VW says it does in fact preview a new design language for the brand moving forward, characterised also by a new C-pillar signature; compared to the ID.3, it is cleaner and less busy. At 4050mm in length, 1,812mm wide and 1530 tall, it is ever so slightly shorter than the 2023 Polo but both wider and taller than the model it will presumably replace.

There are surprisingly stocky proportions for what is pegged as an affordable city car, with flared arches and 20-inch wheels that give the impression of a hot hatch – although this is a concept of course, so that may be watered down somewhat for production. The stance is described as “powerful.” Based on the MEB Entry platform, the smallest of the shared underpinnings, it will also be the first MEB vehicle with front-wheel drive. The suggestion is that this is perhaps a more energy efficient layout for this kind of car, with an estimated maximum range of up to 280 miles as a result.

Inside, and there seems to have been a concerted effort to simplify things. The wealth of technology entering modern cockpits can in some cases be a little overwhelming or even worse: confusing. If technology is not easy to use, it will not be used. Volkswagen’s design team appears to have recognised this, and describes the infotainment system in particular as “self-explanatory.”

In effect, this comes down to a traditional physical volume control and an independent rail on the dashboard for air conditioning (which means no hunting through in-screen menus to set the temperature.) The rest of the interior is clean and refined, with a wide instrument panel and uncluttered centre console. Ambient lighting adds a nice touch, showcasing the trickle effect of premium trends into entry-level models.

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schaefer says the concept is ultimately a nod to the brand’s heritage as “cars for the people” and, in particular, was inspired by the values of iconic models like the Beetle, Golf and Polo.