The South Korean automaker reveals its new SsangYong XLV Concept (eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle) at 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The XLV is a B-segment ‘smart user interface’ sports utility vehicle concept, which features significantly lower CO2 emissions, with its hybrid system that combines 1.6 liter diesel powerplant with an electric motor powered by lithium ion battery. The new XLV is the latest iteration in a series of multi interface concept vehicles, which were originally seen with XIV-1 showcased at Frankfurt Auto Show in the year 2011. It will become one of core strategic vehicles of the company for underpinning its future growth. Standing 290mm longer as compared to XIV-1 concept, it offers comfortable seating for 7 passengers in a groundbreaking 2+2+2+1 arrangement, where the 7th seat slides between the 2nd and 3rd rows for optimum flexibility.
Showcasing the automaker’s design philosophy of being ‘Specialty, Premium and Robust’, the SsangYong XLV Concept projects a dynamic and rhythmical exterior design aimed at appealing to the smart user who seeks practicality and individuality to support their active lifestyle. It is a genuine multi role vehicle for both pursuit of outdoor leisure activities and urban driving.
Styling concept
The SsangYong XLV Concept’s design has been inspired by the association of power and dynamism of nature, and the company’s new design philosophy, ‘Nature born – 3 Motion’, the central theme of brand’s vehicle design language which was originally articulated in XIV concept series. The design philosophy of SsangYong embraces the dynamic, rhythmical and dignified qualities of nature, while enriching the customer experience through the harmony of nature, man and the vehicle. At 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, the company will be introducing its latest design concept based on the theme of Rhythmical Motion.
Design Characteristics
The XLV stands for eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle, and is a vehicle, which performs the multi-role of providing not only a means of transportation but one that also provides enjoyable and exciting driving. The SsangYong XLV Concept is inspired by the pleasure and enjoyment that nature presents, and features a rhythmical design drawing on the dynamic motion and fluidity of nature.
Exterior
The visual approach of SsangYong to XLV creates a dynamic and robust exterior design. Dynamic and detailed character lines flow rhythmically to connect the rich body volume, whereas the front look harmonizes with the headlights and grille, presenting a wide, slim image that’s evident on previous XIV series concept vehicles notably the LIV-1 and SIV-1. This look will also be seen on subsequent vehicles, while the wider D pillars with black detailing is a design cue seen on other concept vehicles by SsangYong.
Spacious load and passenger areas emphasize the vehicle’s practicality and active sports intentions. The dual-tone black effect to the roof reinforces its sportiness, while also helping to lower the overall height. The A pillars with blackouts also create the impression of openness and width. The dynamic and sleek design of the vehicle’s side is complemented by black horizontal split with a dual-tone effect inspired by the body of a dolphin. The strong, energetic sides and bold yet simple front and rear embody the SsangYong XLV Concept’s aesthetic and robust design language for the future.
Interior
The interior of SsangYong XLV Concept is quite spacious and just as dynamic as the exterior of this concept suggests. The functional beauty of the interior is realized by using simple design language that’s the essence of this vehicle. The shape of a bird’s wings in flight influences the entire front area and dashboard of the vehicle’s interior, creating a comfortable and relaxed environment and optimizing the sense of inner space. Honeycombed graphics illumination on orange red trim line is inspired by the emotion of spotting fireflies in the dark.
The 2+2+2+1 seating layout is a key feature of XLV. The 7th seat moves freely along the centre of the car affording a sense of freedom and enabling space and communication between occupants in the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats. The XLV Concept is a genuine multi-role vehicle designed and engineered for both pursuit of leisure activities and urban driving, and the free movement of this seat adds greatly to the car’s multi-role function, while its fabric seat materials and soft touch interior trim also support its eco-friendly credentials.
Roof Glass
The double layer glass roof can be adjusted electronically to control its transparency, and therefore the amount of ambient light that reaches the cabin. Using a very fine particle film sandwiched between the glass layers and adjusting the voltage means the driver can achieve the desired atmosphere by changing the level of illumination and brightness for maximum comfort. It can also be altered to give the owner a choice of special roof graphic patterns.
Technology
The SsangYong XLV Concept produces significantly lower CO2 emissions, with its 48V hybrid system, which combines a 10kW electric motor and a 1.6 liter diesel powerplant powered by a high performance 500Wh lithium ion battery. A CO2 level some 10% lower than its competitors has been achieved, while also making driving, refueling and ownership extremely practical. As a smart user interface vehicle, XLV uses a highly sophisticated interactive communication system known as ‘3S-Cube’ (Safe Way, Smart Link and Special Sense).
Smart Link updates several control systems and functions including the permanent connection to smart electronic devices, while also providing a situation awareness capability programme which gives lane keeping assistance, an automatic emergency brake system and auto cruise control. The Safe Way system provides a number of features to ensure driving convenience, whereas Special Sense allows the user to design their own instrument cluster presentation and information. All three are intended to make driving convenient, safe and enjoyable.
The South Korean automaker has embraced the very latest in automotive design for creating a practical and future looking vehicle while also taking energy efficiency and customer safety as its prime concern. An Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) of matrix LEDs completes the innovations on this car.
SsangYong XLV Concept Technical Specifications
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