The Beetle was conceived as a car for the masses; after all, the name of the company – VOLKSWAGEN – translates to ‘people’s car’. As such, it was engineered and built with a low cost so that it could be sold at a price that was affordable to many.
Over the many decades that it was in production, the Beetle remained true to its original concept… so much that its design never changed. But by the 1970s, the design had become too dated and without being modernised, it started to lose its appeal as new small cars entered the market which were also affordable.
Facing reality, Volkswagen had to discontinue it after 65 years – the longest ever run of a model in a single generation. With 21.5 million units sold all over the world, it is one of the top 5 bestselling cars of all time.
Affordable mobility
In the 21st century and the era of the electric vehicle, Volkswagen is again aiming to offer affordable mobility for personal use as well as for businesses. The automaker plans to introduce 9 new EV models by 2027, with being fully electric and using the new modular electric drive (MEB) platform with front-wheel drive.
Previewing the entry-level model – which will have a target price starting from 20,000 euros (RM95,620 at today’s exchange rates) when it is launched in 2027 – is the ID. EVERY1 showcar.
This model is part of the new Electric Urban Car Family with front-wheel drive which is being developed under the umbrella of the Core brand group in the Volkswagen Group. Prior to the ID. EVERY1, there will be the ID. 2all which will as early as next year and be priced from 25,000 euros (RM119.500).
Diverse portfolio
With the European launch of the all-electric Urban Car Family from 2026, Volkswagen will offer the most diverse portfolio in the high-volume segment – from efficient combustion-engine models and advanced hybrids to future-oriented all-electric vehicles.
“The ID. EVERY1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment. We will then offer every customer the right car with the right drive system – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility,” said Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars and a board member of the Volkswagen Group.
“Our goal is to be the world’s technologically leading high-volume manufacturer by 2030. And as a brand for everyone – just as you would expect from Volkswagen,” he declared.
Powerful software architecture
The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be the first model in the entire Group to use a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture. This means that the future entry-level Volkswagen can be equipped with new functions throughout its entire life-cycle if its users so wish. Even after purchase of a new car, the vehicle can still be individually adapted to their needs.
“In the future model, we talk about Customer-Defined Vehicles. The ID. EVERY1 shows that we are putting our customers, their wishes, interests and preferences at the centre of vehicle development more consistently than ever,” said Kai Grunitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development.
Characteristic design
For the EVERY1, the designers have revisited the up!, a compact model with space-efficient packaging. “Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the ‘smiling’ rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to,” explained Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt.
New MEB with electric FWD
Following the ID. 2all concept and the sport version ID. Concept GTI, the ID. EVERY1 belongs to the Electric Urban Car Family and is based on the new modular electric drive platform. Thanks to the electric front-wheel drive, the MEB platform is said to offer revolutionary space utilisation and maximum efficiency.
With a length of 3880 mm, the ID. EVERY1 is positioned between the former up! (3600 mm), the ID. 2all (4050 mm) and the current Polo (4074 mm). Inside, it offers space for 4 people and a luggage compartment volume of 305 litres.
The concept vehicle can reach a top speed of 130 km/h and is powered by a newly developed electric drive motor with 70 kW (95 ps). Volkswagen expects the range to be at least 250 kms.