2017 Volkswagen I.D. Concept Van

Caught red handed cheating on emissions tests, Volkswagen is still struggling to obtain settlements in the "Dieselgate" scandal. However, the German firm is also looking to create a more sustainable future for itself by embracing electrification. Having announced a plan to launch several EVs over the next few years, Volkswagen is unveiling an increasing number of concept cars that feature electric motors instead of standard gasoline or diesel mills. One such vehicle is the I.D., which made its official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Only two months have passed since then, and VW will unveil a new electric concept, this time around at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Described as a "multi-functional vehicle for a new era," the car in question doesn't have a name yet, but Volkswagen confirmed that it will be part of the I.D. family. This means it will also be based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) that Volkswagen wants to launch in the future, as well as gain many of the features seen the first I.D. concept.

Volkswagen also mentioned that the new concept vehicle "forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future" and that "it combines ample space for travel with a long electric driving range, to usher a new feeling of freedom — with zero emissions — and a new era of mobility."

There's no word as to when this concept will move into production, but given that the first I.D. is set to hit dealerships by 2020, the van shown here should follow soon after that. Stay tuned for updates on this car from the Detroit Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen I.D. Concept Van.

Exterior

Volkswagen had nothing to say about the car's exterior and we only have a couple of teasers to run by, but the few features showcased in these pictures provide quite a few details about the concept. First up, it's quite obvious that it's based on the previous I.D. concept. The headlamps have the same design with U-shaped clusters flanked by thin LED strips above and below, while the taillights are equally slim.

It's quite obvious that it's based on the previous I.D. concept.

Second, and more importantly, this I.D. concept appears to be a van. And not just any van, but one that pays homage the original Type 2 (also known as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus), which Volkswagen built between 1950 and 1979 in Europe and the U.S. and until 2013 in Brazil. The I.D. van borrows many features from the classic model, including the big "VW" on the center front fascia and the swoopy side character lines that meet at the front to form a V. The vehicle also appears to have squared off windows just like the model that inspired it.

When it comes to features that set it apart from the I.D. concept we saw at the Paris Motor Show, the decorative trim that defines the cars beltline right under the windows includes an LED strip and separates the yellow/gold bottom from the white-painted top. The two-tone scheme is also borrowed from the original Microbus. It's worth noting that this is the second Type 2-inspired concept Volkswagen has showcased in recent years and this gives rise to new rumors that the German brand could launch a successor to the iconic hauler in the United States.

Interior

Details as to what we will see inside the concept are also scant, but chances are it is based on the I.D. concept from the Paris Motor Show. The only teaser shot that shows part of the dashboard and the area behind the steering also confirm this scenario, as both surfaces are clean and devoid of any buttons and switches. Pretty much a dashboard with four bucket seats, the "new spatial experience with open space" concept in the first I.D. vehicle might have made it in the van too, so expect the layout to be different compared to a conventional production car.

Note: Volkswagen I.D. Concept interior shown here.

Volkswagen did mention that the steering wheel is electrically retractable and disappears into the dashboard.

On the flipside, the van doesn't appear to have the screen seen in the first I.D. concept, which makes me wonder as to where the car's vital data will be displayed. A heads-up display is obviously a possibility, but the concept could have a different feature that we can't see in the teaser photo.

Volkswagen did mention that the steering wheel is electrically retractable and disappears into the dashboard as soon as the driver presses the "Volkswagen" logo in front of him. As you might have already guessed, this is possible because the I.D. van is autonomous (or it's supposed to become a self-driving vehicle in the near future). Once the steering wheel is hidden in the dashboard, the vehicle will use laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors, and cameras to monitor other road users and the surroundings.

Drivetrain

It's safe to assume that the van will share its electric motor(s) with the first I.D. concept.

Drivetrain details aren't available yet, but given that it is based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform, it's safe to assume that the van will share its electric motor(s) with the first I.D. concept. The latter uses a 125-kW motor rated at a rather unimpressive 167 horsepower, but it is said to boast a range of anywhere between 248 and 372 miles on a single charge. However, we there's still a lot to learn about this concept and I'm sure a lot will change until it goes into production. With some recent concept cars being able to run for more than 300 miles with more than 300 horsepower at its disposal, Volkswagen should be able to offer a more powerful drivetrain in the future. Also, it's not yet known whether the van uses one or two electric motors, which makes a huge difference no matter how you look at it. Also, because it is larger than the hatchback-style I.D., the van could also use a significantly larger battery. I guess we will find out more when the vehicle makes its public debut at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Conclusion

Volkswagen has taken a big hit with the "Dieselgate" scandal in 2015 and it will take many years to fix its public image and pay all the penalties and settlements that have and will result from this misconduct. Thankfully, the German brand is doing the right thing. On one hand it's struggling to fix the cars involved and pay compensation to customers and governments, but it's also investing a lot of money into electrification instead of fighting the death of the diesel (at least in the U.S.). Granted, most of EVs that the German firm has unveiled recently are only concepts for the time being, but this should change in around five years, when Volkswagen will have a full lineup of battery-powered vehicles. Should it include a van that pays tribute to the original Microbus, it will be that much better.

LOVE IT
  • Pays homage to original Bus van
  • State-of-the-art technology
  • Previews a production model
  • LEAVE IT
  • Not much is known at this point
  • Autonomous drive could take all the fun away
  • Press Release

    At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS, 8 to 22 January) in Detroit, Volkswagen will present a new I.D. family model – a multi-functional vehicle for a new era. The concept vehicle forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. Like the I.D., this concept is also based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), and so it shows the potential and bandwidth of the MEB.

    Since the presentation of the I.D. at the Paris International Motor Show in September of this year, these initials have stood for a new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles from Volkswagen. The I.D. also stands for purity in design language, form, and character as well as typical Volkswagen attention to detail and ideal use of interior space.

    This I.D. concept vehicle will also be able to drive fully autonomously in the future. Press lightly on the Volkswagen logo, and the electrically retractable steering wheel disappears into the dashboard. While the driver relaxes, laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors and cameras monitor other road users and the surroundings.

    The I.D. concept vehicle in Detroit forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. Its overall concept is revolutionary. It combines ample space for travel with a long electric driving range, to usher a new feeling of freedom – with zero emissions – and a new era of mobility.

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