Opel Experimental EV Coupe-Crossover Previews The Future

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Opel took the veils off the Experimental concept a bit earlier than expected, showing us its evolved design language and an array of new features that will find their way into future production models. The fully electric concept adopts an aerodynamic coupe-crossover stance with the illuminated Opel Compass being the core styling cue. It rides on the STLA platform and has a minimalist interior with futuristic tech gimmicks.

The highlight of the evolved Bold and Pure styling language is the Opel Compass, created by the thin horizontal DRLs and two vertical LED strips, all pointing out to the recently updated Opel Blitz emblem (or Vauxhall Griffin) which is also illuminated. The same treatment is applied to the rear end, although the emblem is replaced by Opel/Vauxhall lettering.

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The Opel Vizor has also evolved, with the thinner and now illuminated transparent black panel on the concept’s face housing the sensors, lidar, radar, and cameras for the ADAS. Opel designers put great emphasis on aerodynamics, adding aero flaps on both ends, 3-zone Ronal wheels, and a pronounced diffuser besides the usual gimmicks of the sloping roofline, mirror-replacing cameras, and the absence of door handles.

Despite being a crossover and having a generous ground clearance, the concept looks more sporty than adventurous. The massive wheels with a three-spoke design and futuristic single-piece tires help with the proportions, making the vehicle look slimmer and more athletic. Chrome is absent from the exterior, replaced by contrasting graphics and illuminated features. The roof is covered by solar panels while the side windows are body-colored something that could be made possible by future technology.

While we don’t have the exact dimensions, Opel says that the Experimental has the footprint of a compact vehicle (C-Segment), a role currently taken by the Astra in the automaker’s range. Still, the beneficial packaging of the electric powertrain allows an interior space that is equivalent to a midsize model (D-Segment), which was the discontinued Insignia.

The futuristic interior does away with screens, replacing them with holograms and a head-up display that is covering the entire width of the windscreen. The driver has access to the “Pure Experience” infotainment through the configurable controls on the center console and voice commands supported by artificial intelligence.

The yoke steering wheel can fold away when the vehicle enters autonomous mode, while the adaptive seats with 3D-mesh fabrics are said to provide “outstanding comfort”. Speaking of upholstery, another interesting feature is the electrochromic fabrics. In simple words, the material is embedded with LEDs that can change color on demand. Additionally, the lighting makes the fabrics “reactive”, warning the driver when another vehicle enters a blind spot.

The automaker didn’t reveal the detailed specifications of the Experimental but said it is based on a “state-of-the-art Stellantis BEV platform” and comes equipped with “electric all-wheel drive”. Reading between the lines, this is the first Opel-branded vehicle to ride on the new STLA architecture that will be used in an array of production models in the next few years starting with the new Peugeot 3008. The platform will be compatible with single and dual electric motors, while the batteries will offer an electric range of up to 700 km (435 miles).

Opel CEO Florian Huettl, said: “The Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand.” The concept will make its world premiere at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 5. The first production model to adopt similar but toned-down features from the concept is expected to be the EV-only successor of the Opel Grandland, coming sometime in 2024.