Volkswagen has extended its range of ID concepts to include a new 306hp electric-powered SUV known as the Roomzz. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the contemporary seven-seater acts as a preview to a production model of similar size and shape that Volkswagen says will be launched in 2021.
It’s a crucial part of the German carmaker’s plan to become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles by the middle of the next decade. Set to be positioned above the upcoming production version of the Crozz and a more sporting Crozz coupé, the Roomzz is said to offer interior space superior to that of the Touareg in a body measuring 4,915mm in length, 1,890mm in width and 1,760mm in height.
Despite its status as a global car for the brand, Volkswagen sales and marketing boss, Jurgen Stackmann, claims that the European market "is not an immediate priority" for the ID Roomzz. "Key markets for this car are China and North America. These two countries love space. I wouldn't reckon that ID Roomzz will be a core model for Europe."
Stackmann went on to cite cars such as the ID hatchback and Tiguan-sized ID Crozz SUV as the core EV priorities for Europe. “The ID Roomzz shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future,” said VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff. “The puristic look emphasises the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural. Plenty of space inside allows for completely new seating configurations.”
The sixth ID concept is based on a new variant of VW’s MEB platform. It has a 2,965mm wheelbase – some 192mm longer than that of the Crozz but 135mm shorter than the Buzz.
Developed under the internal codename VW316 and previously dubbed ID Lounge, the Roomzz gets its own unique styling that Bischoff describes as featuring “seamless transitions of individual elements” for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Key cues include an almost completely enclosed front end that features illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend outwards into in the outer edges of the headlights and provide the new SUV with exaggerated visual width. There's also an illuminated VW badge – a feature that we can confirm will be offered as an option on all upcoming ID production models in markets where it is permitted.
The Roomzz also receives prominent front wheel arches and a side feature line that runs back through to the middle of the front doors. Traditional exterior mirrors are replaced by a camera, which is mounted on a discreet arm within the leading edge of the front doors. The doors open on opposing hinges, providing an uninterrupted pillar-less entry to the cabin.
A rounded roof turret is also evident. It houses two Lidar units that form part of a level four autonomous driving system VW is touting for future ID models. Contrasting aluminium is used for the roof rails, while the side glass is almost completely flush with the bodywork to smoothen airflow along the flanks. To highlight the interior, the concept also goes without a B-pillar.
The rear is distinguished by a full-width light band whose graphics can be customised via a smartphone app. “Lighting is the new chrome,” said Bischoff of the possibilities made possible by the latest generation of LED lighting.
The Roomzz previews the cabin design that VW proposes to provide future models with advanced autonomous driving functions and thus features a digitised steering wheel. It is designed to retract back into the dashboard when the driver chooses a fully autonomous driving mode.
Further interior highlights include a 13.8-inch digital instrument unit and an augmented reality head-up display (HUD).
Although the new concept features four individual seats, VW insiders have confirmed the production version is planned to provide seating for up to seven over three rows of seating.
Power for the Roomzz comes from the same electric driveline previewed by the earlier Vizzion. It uses two electric motors – one acting on the front axle with 102hp and 140Nm of torque and a more powerful unit at the rear putting out 204hp and 309Nm of torque. The total system output is 306hp and 331lb ft of torque.
Depending on the driving mode, the new SUV can be driven by either the rear wheels as standard, or all four wheels. VW quotes a 0-100kph time of 6.6sec and a top speed that is limited to 180kph.
Electric energy for the motors is provided by an 82kWh lithium ion battery mounted within the flat floor structure of the Roomzz’s MEB platform. It is claimed to provide a range of 451km on the WLTP test cycle, while the charge time to 80 percent of the battery’s capacity on a high-power 150kW system is put at “approximately 30min.”
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