South Korean manufacturer SsangYong unveiled the XLV concept at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, showcasing the company’s future design language and a crucial product coming from its stable in the future. The concept SUV will form the basis for the future design language of SsangYong cars and will allow the brand to compete in the growing compact SUV segment.
The eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle (XLV) concept is the latest iteration of the multi-interface concepts and has evolved from the XIV-1 concept showcased back in 2011. The car features a muscular and imposing front facia, while the sides feature pronounced wheel arches that add to the brawny look of the SUV. The company calls its latest design language Rhythmical Motion. The concept showcases an urban friendly design coupled with the ruggedness of an off-roader. The concept also gets a double layered roof glass that can be adjusted electronically to control its transparency.
The interiors have been given a dynamic appearance. The design is functional but aesthetically appealing. The company has given special attention to accentuate the cabin space. A significant or rather unique feature on the XLV concept is the seats which offer a 7-seater configuration. The seats have 2+2+2+1 seating layout with the seventh seat moving front and back between the second and third rows in the centre to offer more space to passengers.
The XLV concept features a 1.6-litre diesel engine coupled to a 10 kW electric motor powered by a high performance lithium-ion battery. The concept also features other technologies like the 3S-Cube communication system (Smart-Link, Safe Way, Special-Sense) that offer a number of features to make the vehicle more safe and connected, while offering an enjoyable and convenient ride. The XLS also features adaptive front lighting system of matrix LEDs for lesser power consumption and better illumination.
Measuring at 4430 mm in length, the XLV is a tad bit longer than the Nissan Qashqai. SsangYong will also offer a shorter 5-seater version that will be sold alongside the seven-seater. The XLV is certainly a very likeable product and could be a game changer for SsangYong. The production version will certainly find buyers with the brawny looks and modern gadgetry on board giving them the best on tarmac as well as leisure off-roading.