Presentation of the VW ID.Every1 study: outlook on the entry-level model
Two years before launch, VW presents a study of a small car with electric drive. Visually, it is likely to be closer to the production model than technically.
(Image: VW)
There's a gap at VW, and it's hurting customers and the Group. After more than ten years, production of the VW Up was discontinued in October 2023. Although a VW Polo is now available again for just under 20,000 euros, the average Polo buyer will fork out a few thousand more. Those who can't or don't want to keep up are moving to the competition. The best-selling car in the EU is now the Dacia Sandero, and with the Spring, which is built in China, the brand is catering to a target group that wants minimalist and electric driving. VW cannot close this gap in the short term, but in the long term it has no intention of leaving the field to the competition. The ID.Every1 study gives a first glimpse of a series model that is likely to arrive in 2027.
Bigger than an Up, smaller than a Polo
The ID.1, according to the current, unofficial project name, will be slightly larger than the Up, but smaller than the current Polo or the ID.2. What VW is now showing is still nothing more than a study, but it should already look very similar to the production model. This also applies to the dimensions. The ID.Every1 is 3.88 m long and 1.49 m high. This roughly corresponds to the dimensions of a current Mini three-door, and the Renault R5 is also similar in size. The only unusual feature is the generous width of 1.82 m. That is around 17 cm more than the Up, and the concept car is also six centimeters wider than the current Polo. On the one hand, this creates space for the battery. On the other hand, not everyone will see this growth as progress – especially in a car that is primarily intended for short journeys, even in the city. At 305 liters, the trunk is larger than that of an Opel Corsa Electric, which is almost 20 cm longer.
Visually, there are few surprises. The design is as conservative as expected, but few would have guessed that VW would venture as far as it once did with the ID.3 by Wolfsburg standards. In terms of visual gimmicks, the study only has vertical daytime running lights, recessed door handles and 19-inch rims with low-profile tires. Overall, the concept car appears surprisingly conventional at first glance for a preview of a production model that will be launched in two years' time. However, this should come as no surprise, as VW has attracted a wide audience with this type of design in the past.
Key technical data
Of course, two years before the start of series production, VW is not letting us look at the technical details. The key figures given to the study are no more than a vague indication of the direction it could take. The electric motor has an output of 70 kW and the top speed is expected to be 130 km/h. A minimum range of 250 km is specified as a new concept. It is therefore unlikely to be less than around 35 kWh.
It is by no means clear what will ultimately be delivered in the production model. Only one thing is fairly certain: VW will keep all options open on the basis of the "Modular Electric Toolkit Small". It would be conceivable, for example, to set itself apart from the competition with a slightly above-average energy content in the battery. They currently often use 40 to 45 kWh at the base. If an extra 10 kWh only adds up to 500 euros, it could be worthwhile for some managers to try to shine in this respect and have this added value rewarded by the customer to increase profits. With good preconditioning and a 22 kW AC charger, there would be further opportunities for profiling. All of this is optimistic speculation, but VW has the chance to surprise in this respect.
Studie VW ID.Every1 (7 Bilder)
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)The first VW with Rivian software architecture
Elsewhere, the manufacturer is at least a little more specific. The production model of the ID.Every1 will be the first VW to be based on a software architecture developed jointly with Rivian. VW promises that the car will receive new functions on request over its entire life cycle. Even after purchase, it can be individually adapted to requirements. Like other manufacturers, VW is hoping on the one hand for long-term customer loyalty, and on the other hand, of course, for an additional source of income from owners who eventually drive an older ID.1.
The price will be exciting: the small car is to be built in Europe and cost less than 20,000 euros in basic configuration. This would presumably put VW back in the game in a growing environment. The decisive factor will be what VW can technically accommodate for this sum. With the Renault Twingo and Citroën ë-C3, among others, similarly designed competitors are ready and waiting. Dacia does not want to leave it at the current Spring in this segment either and has announced the prospect of a small electric car produced in Europe for around 18,000 euros. This should be exciting, because in a segment with low margins, ultimately only the manufacturer who can exploit economies of scale through high unit numbers has a chance. In this respect at least, the multi-brand Volkswagen Group should certainly have a chance.
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