VOLKSWAGEN I.D. VIZZION CONCEPT
WHAT IS IT?
The Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion concept is what the company says is the “Auto-mobile” of the future, being both fully electric and autonomous. Inside, the cabin is devoid of the usual driver controls: no steering wheel, no pedals and no interior controls. The “virtual host” acts as a concierge and allows the riders to communicate their wants through voice commands and gestures. It gives a glimpse into VW’s stated goal of having 20 all-electric vehicles on the road by 2025.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The I.D. Vizzion, measuring in at a substantial 5.11 metres in length, uses a monster 111-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery to power the 302-horsepower twin-motor drivetrain, a layout that gives it all-wheel-drive capability.
The combination is said to deliver a top speed of 180 kilometres an hour and it has a claimed driving range of up to 665 km when regenerative braking is factored in.
WHEN WILL CANADA GET IT?
At first blush, the chance of anything close to the I.D. Vizzion concept coming to market any time soon would seem fanciful, but VW says the production version will be on sale by 2022 at the latest.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
While the concept appears to be a case of blue-sky thinking at this point, with the charge toward the fully electric and autonomous ages well underway, and the fact the I.D. Vizzion will eventually come to market, it paints an interesting picture for Volkswagen’s future.