Volkswagen debuted a more realistic version of its I.D. Crozz concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. While still a fantasy model, the physical representation that appeared at the trade event (and VW’s latest round of stylized images) hint at what the production vehicle will actually look like.
While it doesn’t have the conservative and understatedly handsome appearance of a typical VW, the Crozz is more or less on par with the styling of its I.D. sub-brand. It’s also is rumored to be the first of the I.D. vehicles offered for sale in the North American market. Anyone hoping for a pod-like electrified Tiguan ought to be chuffed by the prospect as they prepare their checkbooks.
Initially unveiled at Shanghai’s industry showcase, the crossover is the third vehicle to wear the I.D. badge — along with the microbus-inspired Buzz and four-door EV hatchback concept. The Crozz is likely the first I.D. model we’ll see on American roadways if Volkswagen is serious about going electric. That’s not because it will be the first to enter into production; the hatchback has that honor. It’s because the “crozzover” is clearly intended to have a broadest market appeal. Even though the manufacturer calls it a “four-door coupe,” it’s really just a gently elevated liftback.
VW claims all the I.D. cars will make it into production by the 2020s using its EV-specific MEB platform, with batteries and electric motors housed in the floor. For ol’ Crozzby that means two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and the other driving the rear, and a 83 kWh battery battery pack. The automaker says a 201-horsepower rear motor is the primary drive source, but a 101-hp front-mounted unit will be on hand to help. It also possesses a claimed range of 311 miles using the Euro-spec NEDC cycle. Expect a more conservative EPA assessment of its maximum range.
The front doors are conventionally hinged, while the rears are sliders. There’s no door handles, mirrors, or B-pillar found on the show car, and the entry points are power-assisted. While these features will surely change on the finished model, VW says it’s still representative of a production car.
Assembly is slated to commence much sooner than initially expected. Volkswagen confirmed the Crozz II will go on sale in 2020, the same year as the smaller I.D. hatchback.
[Images: Volkswagen Group]
What’s the deal with the lack of a B-pillar (and resulting sliding rear door)? Why go through all the bother of figuring out how to meet rollover standards without a B-Pillar when your door setup means you don’t get any don’t get any additional visibility anyway. At best, you’ll get a little more of a feeling of spaciousness.
For the ooo’s and ahhh’s typical of a concept.
You do get easier ingress/egress. That said, I will not be surprised to see conventional doors on the production model).
If they can pull off the rollover survival, I bet that this would appeal to families with kids in car seats. The best of both worlds for young parents; crossover styling with minivan rear seat access.
Its not the worst looking “four door coupe CUV” thing I’ve seen. I’m not sure that’s really a complement.
I like the Buzz, it’s easily the most practical and good looking I.D. so far.
Disappointed that it seems to only support 150kW quick charging. Porsche and Tesla Supercharger V3 charging is 350kW. Chargepoint has 400kW chargers that are being deployed. It would be nice to have the quicker charging available as an option.
Figure maybe 230 miles EPA range. I like the look of it a lot.
Another day, another VW EV promise.
No reason to believe VW will sell this in North America. They make promises all the time, that they never keep. Yawn…
Crozz….that name…another weird name!!!! Yesterday it was Stonic, now Crozz!!!! What’s a Crozz? A cross? A bread roll? Slang for a woman of low morals? Help me out here….
Wow this is the best coupe I have ever seen