Volkswagen’s latest electric concept has been unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2017 car show and continues the line of I.D branded EVs that the company hopes to play a major role. The latest concept is a smart, in more than one way, CUV that’s clearly been designed with fashion in mind. CUV stands for, “Crossover Utility Vehicle” and differs from a regular SUV crossover due to its more streamlined coupé line. The idea being that this sporty little number combines the best worlds of SUV crossovers with the joys of aerodynamics – something not typically associated with this class of car.
Pushing it along are twin electric motors that provide all-wheel drive and 225kW power, which is about 300hp in English. These launch the vehicle all the way to a top speed estimate of 112 mph (180 km/h). More interestingly, the I.D.CROZZ is estimated to provide 310 miles (500 km) range from its high-performance lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, recharging will be rapid thanks to 150kW DC capability – similar to that provided by current Tesla Superchargers.
Naturally, no modern concept car worth its salt would be complete without autonomous tech, so the I.D.CROZZ comes with all the necessary tech to drive itself.
In addition, car makers are fast realising the potential electric drive has to improve cabin space and so the I.D.CROZZ offers more space than a similarly proportioned Tiguan, thanks to a lack of victorian ironware under the bonnet.
Find out more about the I.D.CROZZ in the press release below.
Volkswagen is developing an entirely new range of avant-garde electric vehicles. Now, Volkswagen is providing an important preview of these new frontrunners of electric mobility at Auto Shanghai 2017 (19 to 29 April). Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand: “By 2025, we want to boost annual sales of electric vehicles to one million units. The I.D. CROZZ will play a key role in that. Production will begin in 2020.” The four-door car is the brand’s first electrically powered crossover utility vehicle (CUV) – a coupé and sport utility vehicle (SUV) in one.
The I.D. family.
After the premieres of the I.D. (Paris, 2016) and I.D. BUZZ (Detroit, 2017), the I.D. CROZZ now follows as the third member of the I.D. family – a new generation of zero emission vehicles with long driving range, charismatic electric mobility design and a new interior world.
500 kilometres with all-wheel drive, light shade, CleanAir system.
The I.D. CROZZ was conceptualised as a sporty, interactively designed zero- emission all-rounder – with electric all-wheel drive that is equally impressive in the urban environment as it is on the tracks of an active lifestyle. The I.D. CROZZ delivers power of 225 kW, has a top speed of 180 km/h and can cover up to 500 kilometres (NEDC) on one charge. The high-performance battery can be charged to 80% of its energy capacity in 30 minutes using a fast-charging system (at 150 kW DC power). The concept car switches over to the fully autonomous ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode when the driver touches the VW badge on the steering wheel for three seconds – and then the I.D. CROZZ drives with autopilot. All of the concept vehicle’s instruments and controls have been implemented fully digitally. A smartphone on wheels. The most important information is projected into the driver’s visual field by augmented reality. Gesture control is gaining in importance. A new light shade in the transparent panoramic sunroof is even activated by gesture control; the shade offers a new form of interior and exterior ambient lighting. Meanwhile, a new CleanAir system guarantees good air quality in the vehicle – in all outdoor conditions.
DNA of electric mobility.
The zero emission design of the I.D. CROZZ expresses its electric mobility DNA in every component. One dominant visual characteristic is the light signature for Volkswagen electric mobility. The light elements – C-shaped LED daytime running lights and variably controllable LED headlights – merge to form a front end with electronic moving ‘eyes’ (‘Interactive Spotlight’). In ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode, these ‘eyes’ communicate with other road users.
Electric drive is redefining space.
The I.D. CROZZ is more compact than Volkswagen’s latest production SUV, the New Tiguan L (China) which is also produced as the Tiguan Allspace (Europe). And yet the CUV provides just as much space. This is because the I.D. CROZZ is based on the new, innovative, next-generation architecture for Volkswagen electric vehicles. The suspension and drivetrain modules are positioned far to the outsides of the vehicle and exhibit very compact construction. The battery is even fully integrated in the vehicle floor. The seat configuration offers great flexibility. It creates space that can be put to optimal use – a generously proportioned and newly designed ‘Open Space’, which exceeds typical class standards. The rear? It has premium class dimensions. Want to take your bike away with you for the weekend without having to mount a cycle rack? No problem. Simply slide it crosswise into the rear seating area. Fold-up rear seats and doors that (electrically) open very wide make this possible.
New brand strategy.
Conceptualisation of the I.D.CROZZ systematically follows the new Volkswagen brand strategy (claim: “We make the future real.”) Forming the basis of this strategy are four fields of innovation:
- Smart Sustainability – Volkswagen is advancing the development of innovative electric car models for high-volume production.
- Intuitive Usability – Volkswagen focuses on cars that are intuitive to operate and feature new display and control concepts.
- Connected Community – Volkswagen will in future interconnect humans, cars and the environment via a Volkswagen User-ID.
- Automated Driving – Volkswagen will make cars even safer and more comfortable by automated driving.
Source; Volkswagen
