Volkswagen reveals latest member of the ID. electric family – the ID. Life concept

The line-up of Volkswagen's electric vehicles has been expanded with the reveal of its ID. Life concept overnight at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich – the smallest ID. vehicle yet.

Although it is based on the MEB platform, which underpins the Golf-sized ID.3 and the Tiguan-sized ID.4, the ID. Life is closer to a Polo or T-Cross in its overall dimensions – 4091mm in length, 1845mm wide and 1599mm high, with a 2650mm wheelbase.

ID. Life will be the first MEB-based vehicle to be front-wheel drive only, featuring a single 172kW motor paired to a 57kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 400km and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just under seven seconds.

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As with a majority of Volkswagen's new vehicles, matrix LED lights feature at the front and rear of the ID. Life's boxy body, highlighting the illuminated logos to set them apart from standard badges.

Oversized 20-inch wheels look slightly out of place in comparison to the relatively small car, filling the arches with ease, while other elements such as cameras in place of mirrors reduce the ID. Life's overall width – handy for tight city streets and car parks.

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The eco-theme is backed up by Volkswagen utilising wood chips as a natural colouring agent within the paint's clear coat, combining with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile fabric, which is used on the bonnet and roof, is also sustainably sourced – made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles.

Moving into the cabin, a variety of sustainable natural and recycled materials have been used to fill the interior space, from wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds, to Art Velours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims.

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Just because it uses natural materials doesn't mean the Life's interior is a back-to-basics affair – it still features a 9-inch screen, which is used for the mirrors as well as a video game console and projector – turning the car into a mobile cinema with a screen which pops out from the dash.

While this is still just a concept car, the Life ditches the traditional steering wheel in place of a yoke, featuring touch controls for the car's driving functions. Smartphones can be integrated into the ID. Life's operating system, controlling features via an app – while also allowing screen mirroring on the aforementioned projector screen.

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Volkswagen estimates a car such as the ID. Life could retail for around €20,000 or AU$32,000 if it was to go into production, and aims to introduce a new model to the small car segment by 2025.

The local arm of the world's biggest manufacturer has previously stated it is in no rush to bring its electric vehicles to Australia, citing currently policy – or lack thereof – for EVs as the main contributing factor.