2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Volkswagen’s ‘Roadmap E’

Volkswagen is betting big on the electric vehicles, starting with the I.D., I.D. Crozz and I.D. Buzz which will be the first three fully electric cars to be launched in 2020. Not just that, Volkswagen is going to spend 6Bn euros in the next five years to bring out as many as 80 cars (!) to consumers by 2025.

The I.D Crozz was first shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2017. The II variant is already here, still in nascent stages of concept design, the crossover resembles an SUV that has been developed on a coupe platform. Based on a AWD powertrain, the 302bhp Tiguan sized SUV can hit 180kmph and has a range of 500km, making it extremely practical. It also has a voice command system, just like on a smartphone, allowing you to perform simple tasks, including opening and closing the boot. It gets a tablet based infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel (allowing you to shift into I.D. Pilot mode), AR display, electric outside mirrors and interactive door panels for rear passengers. Even with the inclusion of batteries, the weight distribution is 48:52, which will allow for great road dynamics.  In the ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode, the system activates various laser scanners for safety. Four of them extend from the roof. The sensors call attention to the fully autonomous mode by indirect lighting. It can also detect the surroundings via the laser sensors and the I.D. Crozz is also assisted by ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, side area view cameras and a front camera.

The I.D. was displayed last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show as well. It will sit in the line-up in the same position as the Golf. The I.D. Buzz was shown at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.