Volkswagen ID range to be 'future-proof' with over-the-air technology

The ID Crozz in detail

The ID Crozz is described by VW as a ‘sporty’ crossover that combines an SUV with a four-door coupe. As well as being part of the brand’s ID electric range, Volkswagen says the ID Crozz will sit within its existing SUV line-up.

The ID Crozz will launch ‘in parallel’ with the ID saloon in 2020. While the ID is similar in size to the Golf, the ID Crozz is broadly comparable to the Tiguan small SUV – albeit with sportier, coupe-style styling. The ID Crozz is 4625mm long and 1891mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2773mm and a 515-litre boot, similar dimensions to the Tiguan Allspace.

While the Tiguan can accommodate up to seven seats, the ID Crozz concept currently features four – with the rear seats designed to offer ‘premium’ space, and with flexibility to accommodate large loads. The rear doors retract fully back and the front doors open 90 degrees which, combined with the absence of B-pillars, is designed to give easy access.

Kueppers noted that the generous interior space has proven very popular among those who have seen the ID Crozz, but noted it was likely a more conventional three-seat bench would be available on production models. He also said that VW would offer a seven-seat electric SUV, but wouldn’t specify if that would be a modified version of the Crozz or a different model.

The feeling of space inside the car is heightened by thin front and rear seats, along with a light shade panoramic roof, which features LED light strips built in visible from inside and outside the car. Individual climate control settings are available for front and rear passengers, using digital door panel controls.

The ID Crozz 2 features exterior and interior styling closer to production form than the initial concept shown at the Shanghai motor show. That includes refined LED headlights and the LED light VW badge on the front and rear of the car. The ID Crozz concept features 21-inch wheels.

ID Crozz power and tech

While the ID saloon will be powered by a single 167bhp motor driving the rear axles with a 370-mile range, the ID Crozz concepts uses two electric motors, producing a combined 302bhp to form a version of VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A rear-mounted 201bhp motor will drive the rear-wheels, with the machine set to operate in RWD mode by default. When extra traction is needed, an ‘electric propshaft’ will prompt a 101bhp motor that directly drives the front axles. The car will have a top speed of 112mph.

The two engines are fed by an 83kWh lithium ion battery located under the vehicle floor, in a ‘chocolate bar’ layout to maximise internal space. Volkswagen says that battery will give the car a range of 310 miles under the New European Drive Cycle measurements.

The ID Crozz will likely be offered with a single engine two-wheel-drive layout and this four-wheel-drive option, with different battery sizes available at various price points, allowing buyers to balance their range requirements with cost.

The location of the two engines at either end of the car and the floor-mounted battery has enabled Volkswagen to give the ID Crozz 2 concept a 48:52 weight distribution. Combined with electronic damping control, multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson front struts, Volkswagen says the Crozz will have similar handling properties to the Golf GTI.

The forward front axle and packaging allows a turning circle of 10.5 metres.

Interior technology

The ID Crozz concept features a number of new interior features and driver assistance systems, which are likely to be retained for the production model in 2020.

These include extended voice control for actions including activating the ‘ID Pilot’ autonomous mode and opening the doors, and a series of smart lights, incliding a strip on the dashboard that works with driver assistance features to warn a driver if they need to turn in a particular direction to avoid a collision.

The car’s dashboard is fully digital, with many of the controls accessed on the retractable multifunction steering wheel. An augmented reality head-up display providing the driver with speed and navigation information, and is complemented by a 5.8-inch Active Info display. That screen can also display navigation information and infotainment controls, which can also be operated by a 10.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen.