Geneva show: VW teases autonomous ID Vizzion EV

VOLKSWAGEN will roll out the fourth model in its ID EV line-up at the Geneva motor show next month, with the ID Vizzion concept representing the German car-maker’s take on the impending autonomous future.

Seemingly intended to be a Level 5 autonomous vehicle, the ID Vizzion goes without a steering wheel, pedals or visible controls.

Instead, a ‘digital chauffeur’ assumes control of the vehicle via several assistance systems which allow it to autonomously drive, steer and navigate in traffic.

Hence, the traditional driver becomes another passenger which will be attended to by a ‘virtual host’ that can interacted with via voice and gesture controls.

Furthermore, the virtual host already knows the personal preferences of each individual passenger thanks to its existence within the digital eco-system but can adapt accordingly as these change.

Volkswagen says this functionality is aimed squarely at customer groups that currently cannot drive, such as the elderly, children or the disabled.

An electric motor is mounted on each axle to send drive to all four wheels, offering a combined power output of 225kW. Peak torque is yet to be detailed, but top speed is pegged at 180km/h.

Power is drawn from a 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to 665 kilometres of driving range when regenerative braking is in play.

Touted by the German marque as being “cleaner, safer and much more convenient and comfortable”, the concept measures in around 5110mm long and offers seating for four.

Three teaser sketches that have been released depict the ID Vizzion’s side profile and interior which confirm it will be a fastback-style large sedan.

The exterior design “demonstrates how elegant and emotional the design of a vehicle of the future can be”, according to Volkswagen.

Influence from the similarly shaped Arteon is evident, with an interpretation of its slimline headlights and tail-lights, and definitive central character line evident.

However, the ID Vizzion departs from this design brief with its rear suicide doors which are flanked by guard-filling five-spoke alloy wheels. As such, the concept goes without traditional B-pillars.

Inside, four individual bucket seats are intersected by a floating centre console with two glowing rotary-style knobs and four USB ports, with the former likely to be integral to the virtual host.

As mentioned, the interior is otherwise stripped out, including no infotainment displays or digital instrument cluster, meaning such functions are likely to be projected onto the windshield or windows.

According to Volkswagen, the cabin provides “a completely new feeling of driving and living” that enables “passengers to freely structure their time during the drive”.

Arriving as the fourth member of the ID family, the ID Vizzion joins the ID small hatchback, ID Buzz people-mover and ID Crozz mid-size SUV that all debuted in concept form within the last 18 months.

Production versions of the ID and ID Crozz will hit international roads in late 2019 and 2020 respectively, while the ID Buzz and ID Vizzion are yet to be given official timing.

These four models are part of the more than 20 EVs that Volkswagen plans to bring to market by 2025.

The Geneva motor show officially kicks off on March 8, with a full reveal of the Volkswagen ID Crozz concept to take place at the international event.