Volkswagen I.D. electric concept debuts at Paris Motor Show

The I.D. is Volkswagen's first compact concept car based on the new Modular Electric Drive kit (MEB) vehicle architecture, which was conceived for pure electric vehicles. The groundbreaking MEB corresponds with the key mobility requirements of the future.

This is why the newly defined vehicle architecture of the I.D. is considered a milestone in car development by Volkswagen AG, while at the same time providing the basis for the development of many more all-electric cars. The concept behind the I.D. guarantees the best possible ride comfort, optimum use of space, maximum safety and groundbreaking sustainability; thus redefining the parameters of 'drive', 'space' and 'comfort'.

Anyone who drives a Volkswagen in the future will be given their own Volkswagen ID. The ID is an individual profile; in which the personal seat and air-conditioning settings, favourite radio stations and songs, sound system settings, configuration of the navigation system, and the type of ambient lighting, as well as the contact details of the driver's friends and business associates are saved.

This profile can be securely accessed via the cloud, enabling the I.D. to recognise the legitimate user by their smartphone - the Digital Key - and know who is about to get behind the wheel.

The I.D. is the first Volkswagen that is capable of fully automated driving. Activating the fully automated 'I.D. Pilot' mode is easy. The driver simply has to hold down the Volkswagen logo on the steering wheel for three seconds to switch from manual to fully automated mode.

The electric motor has a power output of 168bhp (125kW), giving the I.D. a 0-100km/h time of less than eight seconds and a top speed of 159km/h. Subsequent production versions could also be offered with more or less powerful electric motors.

In parallel, the concept also hints that it will be possible to configure the I.D. with different battery capacities. This would allow the drive system to be modified to suit the owner's individual needs. The I.D. will have a range of between 401km and 600km on a single charge, under European test conditions.