There’s a new ‘car of the people’ coming from the brand that arguably started the whole thing, as Volkswagen has unveiled a new model it promises will have the space of a Golf, the affordability of a Polo, and an electric driving range for everyday use.
Called the ID.2all, and set to go into production in 2025, the new Volkswagen model is also a glimpse at what the Wolfsburg brand intends to bring to its future models in terms of design as well as accessibility and tech.
With an anticipated cost of less than 25,000 euros for its home market in the EU – about AUD$40,000 as a direct conversion – the Golf-sized electric car is slated to have a range up to 450km, and will be one of ten new electric models from Volkswagen by 2026.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, says the ID.2all will be the brand’s next model to bring mobility to the masses – drawing on the type of language once used for cars like the VW Golf or Beetle – except this time for the age of electrification.
“We are transforming the company rapidly and fundamentally… the ID.2all shows where we want to take the brand.
“We want to be close to the customer and offer top technology in combination with fantastic design. We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.”
The ID.2all, while only a preview concept, comes with a set of specifications realistic enough to point to actual production figures.
It’s 4050mm long, 1812mm wide, and 1530mm tall, with a 2600mm wheelbase, making it slightly shorter, but wider and taller than a current Mk8 Golf. Its wheelbase is shorter by 36mm.
While these might not translate directly to the production variant, its 166kW power output and estimated 450km electric driving range seem realistic, including a charging time of 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes.
In terms of the design language, some nods to classic Volkswagens like the original Mk1 Golf can be seen in elements like the narrow, squared-off horizontal tail-lights, connected by the centre brake light bar.
There’s also an evolved version of the Mk8 Golf’s face in the ID.2all’s front, where the same-shaped headlights are now connected by a light bar across the front of the car where a grille would otherwise be.
Andreas Mindt, Head of Design at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, says the car is a precursor to the direction in which the brand’s aesthetics are headed.
“The ID.2all gives a preview of the new design language of Volkswagen, which is based on the three pillars stability, likeability and enthusiasm.”
While Volkswagen saw a dip in sales in 2022 compared to 2021, down from 4.9 million cars worldwide to 4.6 million, Schafer says a slew of new models coming will bring the brand back to growth despite expecting 2023 to “remain challenging”.
“Customers can look forward to a full line-up of VWs… we will not be deterred, but continue to systematically implement our plans for the VW brand and the Volume brand group.”
The new ID.3 has already been revealed for this year, while the long wheelbase ID.Buzz and the ID.7 electric sedan are to debut before 2023 is up.
Keyword: The Beetle, the Golf, now this? Volkswagen ID.2all electric car revealed as the brand's next 'car of the people', promises inexpensive usability