Globally, Volkswagen is in the midst of a massive transition towards electrification. Auto Expo 2020 visitors got a glimpse of what’s to come with the I.D. Crozz electric SUV concept, the production version of which Volkswagen intends to launch in India by 2021.
The I.D. Crozz employs an 83kWh lithium-ion battery, which powers a 102hp/140Nm electric motor at the front, and a 204hp/310Nm electric motor at the rear, resulting in a combined output of 306hp and 450Nm of torque. VW says the I.D. Crozz has a range of over 500km with top speed limited to 180kph.
First shown at the 2017 Shanghai motor show, the I.D. Crozz concept has evolved since then and the final product – due for reveal in April 2020 – could see more changes still. The concept’s coupé-like roofline will likely make way for a traditional roof, while the rear sliding doors will be replaced by a conventional hinged arrangement. Sitting confidently on its 21-inch wheels, the I.D. Crozz does have the short overhangs, long-wheelbase stance (maximising space for the underfloor battery pack) that define EVs. Volkswagen says the I.D. Crozz combines the design of a sportscar with the off-road capability of an SUV.
Length-wise, the I.D. Crozz is quite similar to the 7-seat Tiguan AllSpace. The 4-seat cabin is minimalist and is designed to give the feel of an airy room. Augmented reality, heads-up display, an ‘e-mirror’ that displays feed from 3 cameras, and a gesture-controlled ‘virtual shade’ for the panoramic glass roof are some of the tech highlights on the SUV. There’s an autonomous driving mode too that can be activated by voice command or by pressing the 'VW' logo on the steering.
The production-spec I.D. Crozz will break cover in April 2020 and it will be interesting to see how much of the concept’s design, tech and features will be retained.
