Volkswagen has extended its range of ID concepts to include a new 302bhp 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 Volkswagen says will be launched in 2021.  It’s a crucial part of the German car maker’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 4915mm in length, 1890mm in width and 1760mm in height.  “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 wheelbase of 2965mm – some 192mm longer than the Crozz’s but 135mm shorter than that of 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 featuring illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend outwards into in the outer edges of the headlights to provide the new SUV with exaggerated visual width. Also included is an illuminated VW badge – a feature Autocar 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 uninterrupted pillar-less entry to the cabin.  Also evident is a rounded roof turret. 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 smooth 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.  Previewing the cabin design VW proposes to provide future models with advanced autonomous driving functions, the Roomzz 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 13.8in digital instrument unit and augmented reality head-up display.  Although the new concept features four individual seats, VW insiders have confirmed the production version is planned to provide seating for up to seven in three rows of seats.  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 101bhp and 103lb ft and a more powerful unit at the rear with 201bhp and 228lb ft. The total system output is 302bhp and 331lb ft.  Depending on the driving mode, the new SUV can be driven by the rear wheels as standard or all four wheels. VW quotes a 0-62mph time of 6.6sec and a top speed that is limited to 112mph.  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 280 miles on the WLTP test cycle, while the charge time to 80% of the battery’s capacity on a highpower 150kW system is put at “approximately 30
Origin: Volkswagen Roomzz concept previews 2021 Model X rival