Skoda’s Vision iV Electric Crossover Coupe Revealed At Geneva

• Vision iV showcases unique crossover-coupe design. 
• It is the first Skoda car to be based on the MEB platform.
• Powered by an 83kWh battery, it has a total output of 306PS.
• Features Level 3 autonomy and fast charging capabilities.

Skoda has jumped on the electric bandwagon and how. Revealing its first-ever vehicle on VW Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform, the Vision iV, the carmaker has given us a first look at its future range of EVs at the ongoing 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

After releasing the first sketches of the urban electric concept earlier this month, the Skoda Vision iV has been unveiled in all its glory. With a unique crossover-coupe like design, the concept grabs your attention instantly. It gets a horizontal LED strip running across the entire front, connecting the sleek Matrix LED headlamps. There is also a redesigned Skoda grille up front with new vertical slats and crystalline structures, adding further to the futuristic appeal of the concept. At the sides, its crossover-coupe styling is even more evident by its sleek lines and floating roof design. The Vision iV has 180-degree cameras in place of wing mirrors and flush door handle for that clean and minimalistic look. The massive wheel arches feature 22-inch ‘aerodynamically optimised’ alloys. While they look good, they are unlikely to make it to the final production.

At the rear, the concept gets C-shaped crystalline LED tail lamps that are in sync with the wide design of the crossover. Another eye-catching element at the rear is the new Skoda logo on the tailgate - the individual letters are lit up in red. And just like it was revealed in the sketches, the whole effect is topped off by a light strip running the breadth of the hulking diffuser.

What wasn’t revealed earlier was the powertrain and performance details. Skoda has equipped the Vision iV concept with an 83kWh battery pack which offers a range of up to 500km in the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test) cycle. With two electric motors powering both axles, the total output stands at 306PS, with a claimed top speed of 180kmph. Skoda says the Vision iV can do a 0-100kmph run in just a shade under 6 seconds. With support for fast charging, the battery can be recharged up to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes as well. Skoda has also utilised intelligent electronics to take care of power distribution to the all-wheel drive system of the Vision iV.

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The future of mobility is as much autonomous as it is electric, and the Vision iV is equipped with an array of autonomous driver assist systems. A barrage of cameras, laser scanners, and radar sensors help the concept navigate autonomously. It features Level 3 autonomy, which means it can completely take over steering on motorways. The Vision iV’s computer systems can control overtaking and evasive manoeuvres, accelerate and apply the brakes autonomously. And in dangerous situations, these systems can also alert the driver to take control. Level 3 autonomy also allows vehicles to communicate with each other and transport infrastructure to evade potential dangers.

The Vision iV concept is without a doubt the future of mobility as Skoda sees it. With the Czech carmaker planning to bring 10 new electric models by 2021, the Vision iV lays down the foundations for a whole new generation of cars from Mlada Boleslav. Over the next four years, Skoda will invest around 2 billion euros (approx. Rs 1.5 lakh crore) in alternative drive systems and new mobility services.

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