Currently reading: Volkswagen plots hot ID Life GTX version of new compact crossover

The pocket rocket follows in the footsteps of the ID 4 and ID 5 GTX

Volkswagen is plotting a hot GTX version of the new ID Life concept as part of a commitment to offer performance variants of all its new electric models.

The ID Life was revealed at the Munich motor show as a preview of the first Volkswagen model that will sit on the entry-level MEB Entry platform. The production version, which is likely to carry the ID 2 name, is due in 2025 with a target price of £17,000.

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The concept features a 231bhp front-mounted electric motor and a 57kWh battery for a range of 258 miles. Volkswagen sales boss Klaus Zellmer said that the production version is likely to be sold in a standard form, with over-the-air updates used to unlock certain features. However, he didn’t rule out a version with more powerful batteries and larger motors if needed.

He added: “If we talk about GTX, as you know, we have an ID 4 GTX and an ID 5 GTX, and in the long run having a GTX version is something we want for every derivative. So GTX is, of course, also something that we want to have potentially for the ID Life. 

“We will have to see whether our battery technology [for the ID Life] will be able to fulfil the GTX performance promise. If it does, then we will stay with limited variants. If not, then we will have to adjust accordingly, potentially with a bigger or more powerful battery or different motor. But it’s too early to know yet, and we’re in the midst of these project parameters.”

While Zellmer wouldn’t confirm that the production version of the ID Life would be named the ID 2, he did say that “there is a certain number that’s still open”. 

While the ID 2 nameplate has been pegged for a crossover, it is understood that the model will eventually be twinned with an ID 1 compact hatch. 

Asked by Autocar about the potential for a small hatch, Zellmer added: “We kept the ID 1 number open for a potential project, so let’s wait and see. But will there be more cars? There’s always more cars.”

READ MORE

All the news from Munich motor show

ID Life Concept previews new ID 2 

Volkswagen ID 4 review 

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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