2020 Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ: AWD Electric SUV Sets Tesla In Its Sights [Video]

Volkswagen’s I.D. CROZZ Concept forges the path for their next-generation EVs on American roads

302 horsepower. 300 miles. That’s what Volkswagen is promising the masses with the North American debut of its I.D. CROZZ (yes, it’s spelled with two z’s) concept at the L.A. Auto Show. They will produce this striking, all-electric compact SUV by 2020. According to Volkswagen, this car will be an affordable and stylish kick-off to an “EV revolution” in the United States. 

2020 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz
[Photo: Volkswagen]

Electrifying Performance

The I.D. CROZZ rides atop VW’s new MEB all-electric platform. Sized similarly to the Volkswagen Tiguan, it has the interior space of a mid-size SUV in a compact body. It has an 83-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an electric motor on each axle. The front electric motor generations 101 horsepower, while the rear puts out 201 horsepower. Put them together, and you get 302 total horsepower – quite respectable for a vehicle its size. With the size of the battery pack, hopefully customers will get close to the 300-mile range VW is promising.

The 4MOTION system in the I.D. CROZZ is rear-wheel drive by default, and engages the front-motor when necessary for traction. Volkswagen also claims this electric SUV has an optimally low center of gravity thanks to the placement of its battery pack. It achieves a 48/52 front-rear weight distribution, which ought to be good for the overall driving experience.

2020 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz
[Photo: Volkswagen]

Autonomous Features

Not that you have to drive your I.D. CROZZ at all. Oh sure, there’s pedals, but this vehicle will feature Volkswagen’s I.D. Pilot self-driving system, which the company plans to fully deploy by 2025. It relies on four laser scanners that pop up from the roof, in conjunction with an array of ultrasonic and radar sensors. Side area view cameras and a front camera also help the I.D. CROZZ see its surroundings – pretty cool, right? The system can be voice-activated or used by toughing the VW logo on the steering wheel and holding it for three seconds.

Interior Design

The I.D. CROZZ features a roomy, “Open Space” design concept that creates an airy, spacious cabin. There’s Alcantara-covered quilted seats with a motion-controlled virtual light shade. You also get a panoramic glass roof that uses LED strips to illuminate the cabin. When you’re driving, you get an Activ Info Display, an electronic rear-view mirror, and an “augmented reality” heads-up display and digital door panels. Ladies in gentleman, the future has arrived – at least that’s what Volkswagen’s aiming for. Bringing the a bit back down to today’s technology, there’s a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that handles media, climate and communication functions. Light also dominates the cabin (as well as the exterior) – it takes the place of places you’d normally find chrome or other trim pieces.

2020 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz
[Photo: Volkswagen]

Don’t worry, the Microbus is coming too!

If you’re waiting for the return of the venerable Microbus, you’ll have to wait until 2022. The bus, based on the I.D. BUZZ concept, also appeared at the L.A. International Auto Show. These two vehicles, along with the original I.D. concept, will go into production as the first three of 15 different VW-branded EVs hitting the roads by 2025. Unfortunately, the original I.D. model is not (yet) coming to the United States.

If you can’t wait for either of those, then check out the I.D. CROZZ when it hits showrooms in 2020. Volkswagen is claiming this new electric SUV will be similarly priced to today’s mid-sized SUVs. If that’s true, and it delivers all the features of the concept, and it has the power and range touted here, it could be an interesting proposition for many buyers.

What do you think of the I.D. CROZZ concept and VW’s plans for electrification by 2025? Let us know in the comments below! Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more breaking L.A. Auto Show news! Watch and subscribe to TFLnow on YouTube for the latest breaking videos, as well!

Volkswagen I.D. CROZZ Photo Gallery [Photos: Volkswagen]