Volkswagen Reveals Electric SUV at Shanghai

Volkswagen extends its range of ID. electric-powered concepts to include a new 302-hp SUV known as the Roomzz.

Unveiled at the Shanghai auto show, the contemporary 7-seater previews a similarly styled and sized production model VW says will launch in 2021 as part of the German automaker’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 ID. Crozz and a more sporting ID. Crozz Coupe – both of which will be produced at VW’s Chattanooga, TN, plant – the production version of the ID. Roomzz has been conceived to offer more interior space than that of the latest VW Touareg in a body measuring 193.5 in. (4,915 mm) in length, 74.4 in. (1,890 mm) in width and 69.3 ins. (1,760 mm) in height.

“The ID. Roomzz shows us what we can expect from fullsize electric SUVs in the future. The puristic look emphasizes the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural. Plenty of space inside allows for completely new seating configurations,” says VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff.

The sixth ID. concept is based on a new variant of VW’s MEB platform. It boasts a wheelbase of 116.7 ins. (2,964 mm) – some 7.6 ins. (193 mm) longer than that of the ID. Crozz but 5.3 ins. (135 mm) shorter than that of the ID. Buzz. The measurements of the front and rear tracks are put at 62.9 ins. (1,598 mm) and 61.9 ins. (1,572 mm), respectively.

Although the new concept features four individual seats, VW insiders confirm the production version will provide seating for up to seven in three rows of seats.

Power for the ID. Roomzz comes from the same electric driveline previewed by the earlier ID. Vizzion. It uses two electric motors, one on the front axle with 101 hp and 103 lb.-ft. (140 Nm) of torque and a more powerful unit at the rear with 201 hp and 228 lb.-ft. (309 Nm). Total system output is 302 hp and 331 lb.-ft. (449 Nm).

Depending on the driving mode, the new SUV can be driven by the rear wheels as standard or by all four wheels. VW quotes a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 112 mph (180 km/h).

Energy for the electric motors comes from an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted within the flat floor structure of the Roomzz’s MEB platform. It is claimed to provide a range of 280 miles (451 km) on the WLTP test cycle, while the charge time to 80% of the battery’s capacity on a high-power 150-kW system is about 30 minutes.

Key styling cues include an almost completely enclosed front end featuring illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend to the outer edges of the headlamps to give the new SUV exaggerated visual width. Also included is an illuminated VW badge, a feature that 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 cameras mounted on arms within the leading edges of the front doors. The doors open on opposing hinges, providing uninterrupted pillar-less entry to the cabin.

VW ID. Roomzz interior_0

Farther back is a second side feature line providing the ID. Roomzz with distinctive haunches over the rear wheel arches. The rear is distinguished by a full-width light band whose graphics can be customized via a smartphone app.

“Lighting is the new chrome,” Bischoff says of the possibilities of the latest generation of LED lighting.

Previewing the advanced autonomous-driving functions VW proposes to incorporate into future cabin designs (above, left), the ID. Roomzz features a so-called digitalized steering wheel. It is designed to retract into the dashboard when the driver chooses a fully autonomous driving mode. Other interior highlights include a 13.8-in. (35-cm) digital instrument unit and augmented-reality head-up display.