The Volkswagen ID.LIFE concept showcased at the recently concluded Munich Motor show previewed a smaller and more affordable iteration of the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform - the MEB-Small - that has been specifically designed for the small car segment. 

• First model based on VW MEB-Small to come in 2025
• Platform expected to offer up to 400km of WLTP driving range
• Could be aimed at emerging markets in future

Volkswagen MEB-Small: what’s different?

With a 2,650mm wheelbase, the MEB-Small platform will form the basis of future small and affordable ID electric cars from Volkswagen, starting from 2025. The ID.LIFE concept shown at the event, production version of which will likely be called the ID.1, will be the first model built on the MEB-Small platform that will also underpin models from other VW group brands like Seat and performance brand Cupra.

A key distinction of the MEB-Small platform, as compared to the standard MEB platform, is that it is front-wheel drive, unlike the latter which can be had in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive formats. This also helps with the affordability of the models based on this platform.

Volkswagen has hinted at a battery capacity of 62kWh for the ID.LIFE concept, although the platform should be able to support a smaller battery capacity in favour of affordability. For reference, the MEB platform allows batteries in the range of 48kWh to 82kWh. It’s thus safe to assume that the MEB-Small platform can also handle the smaller battery size. The 62kWh battery is expected to offer a range of about 400km on the WLTP cycle, while the smaller 48kWh battery could offer up to 300km of range.

The ID LIFE concept featured a single front-mounted motor that produces 231hp and 290Nm of peak torque. VW claims it can do the 0-100kph run in less than seven seconds. There could also be a smaller motor to go with the smaller battery, and be positioned as an entry-level version. Volkswagen has also said that it will support DC fast charging that can recharge about 40 percent of the battery (163km) in as low as 10 mins.

Upcoming Volkswagen launches in India: 2021 and beyond

In India, Volkswagen is expected to launch its first EV for the market, the new ID.4 SUV, in 2022. But before that, Volkswagen has one of its most important models lined up for launch in the Indian market – the Taigun – on September 23, 2021. Following that, Volkswagen will also launch a new midsize sedan based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, replacing the ageing Vento sometime in 2022. The facelifted five-seater Volkswagen Tiguan is also expected to make it to our shores in the coming months.