The Volkswagen ID is the concept vehicle designed by the German automaker, and according to VW, the ID is the future of transportation. The ID concept was launched at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and the company expects that people will use it to drive around the town on a daily basis to run their errands.
Customers should be excited about this model, but they also have to be nervous because it comes with no B-pillar and the structural rigidity is not quite satisfactory. In addition, the 2.5 millimeters of the blue thread has been added to the tires and if you attack the corner at higher speed expect the thread just to peel off. This concept has undergone some tests, and it is rather unstable as you drive over speed bumps or on bumpy roads, while the navigation system is set in “show mode” which means that it can be quite inaccurate at times.
Usually, you cannot go fast with this car, but it happens that throttle calibration becomes jumpy and the car starts to shake violently for no obvious reason. The only solution then is to press the acceleration pedal and boost horsepower. So far, Volkswagen produced only one ID concept and this is the important project for the carmaker, but there will be no more ID concepts. Let’s see what else there is to it.
With the ID concept, VW wanted to make a statement that they would enter the EV race. They promised the first electric ID production vehicle by 2024, which will be based on MEB platform, company’s new electric friendly architecture. The new model will sit next to the Golf, and it is expected that it will come with the same price tag as the diesel version of one of the most popular vehicles in the lineup, Golf.
So far, we have covered some of the downsides of the ID concept, but for a concept, it is really a splendid vehicle. The production version will probably be semi-autonomous, but the concept is fully autonomous, and it has cameras and sensors placed without degrading the exterior or interior design. If the car detects a pedestrian, the headlamps will also let them know about the situation, and when you activate autonomous mode, the steering wheel casually withdraws and blends into the minimalist dashboard allowing the driver to relax and enjoy the view.
The ID concept is equipped with an electric motor that produces 168 horsepower, while the range of this vehicle is between 249 and 373 miles. The top speed is limited to 99 mph, while it can go from 0 to 62 mph in under eight seconds, which is a solid result considering that this concept hasn’t been built for race tracks.
Everything is solved by a simple touch, and for example, you can select the gears by pressing the corresponding letter on the wheel, but you need to be careful because you may unintentionally put the car in neutral during big turns. The door handles will pop out into your hand when you run your finger over them. Even though VW made the front door conventional, the rear doors slide back, which makes it easier to access the rear seats, plus it clearly shows the lack of B-pillar.
Since it doesn’t contain a combustion engine, the ID concept offers more space in the cabin, and four adults can really feel comfortable in this hatchback. There are no wing mirrors, nor the rear view mirror, instead of which cameras have been added. Large wheels make this car look fascinating, but the downside is the bumpy and unstable ride we have already mentioned.
This concept is just great – from autonomous things to the range and performance – but the expected production model will be a completely different story. Since this is a concept, its purpose is to appear on auto shows and perhaps drive on and off the podium, and that is where it all ends. On the road, the VW ID behaves differently, and it is clear that driving this car is not joyous as it may look, but nevertheless, Volkswagen made a very good statement about what is to come in three years time.
For instance, the door handles may look great, and they help improve the aerodynamics of the car, but they are unpractical. Side mirrors will probably come instead of cameras because of the legislation, and the wheels will just have to be replaced. Last but not least, fully autonomous ID will not be an option because of the price and again, various on-road regulations. Otherwise, the production ID will look similar to the concept, and that’s encouraging.
The interior will have the same minimalist design, and hopefully, you will be able to control everything with your smartphone. If VW manages to create the interior on the production vehicle similar to that on the concept, we will consider the car to be a success. However, 373 miles per charge for a car that will cost the same as diesel Golf is slightly unrealistic, don’t you think?
What is your opinion on the VW ID concept?
