Flying roof and roof rails. Like the body as a whole, the side section of the ID. CROSS Concept consistently follows the laws of the golden ratio used by Leonardo Da Vinci: a 1/3 to 2/3 split design. Objects, pictures and even cars that follow the principle of the golden ratio enjoy a particularly positively perception by the viewer. The upper third of the SUV silhouette is characterised by the flying roof, extending into the roof edge spoiler and greenhouse (roof pillars and windows) below. The flying roof, which is painted in the vehicle colour Urban Jungle, protrudes significantly beyond the C-pillars via the roof edge spoiler. All roof pillars are painted in dark, high-gloss Nature Black, making the flat roof appear as if it is resting on them, or floating – a flying roof. Arranged above this are the Nature Black roof rails for transporting boards and skis. A small but intricate detail, almost like a footnote: viewed from above, “DESIGNED BY VOLKSWAGEN” can be read on the roof just in front of the transition to the roof edge spoiler – yet another statement.
A tribute to two Volkswagen icons. Particularly striking in the silhouette is the A-pillar which tilts flat towards the rear. The steep and slightly forward-facing C-pillar forms a contrast to this. At the same time, the latter is a tribute to the VW Bus and the Golf, and therefore represents an iconic yet reinterpreted element. Take the VW Bus for example: since the vehicle’s inception, the rear roof pillars on many versions of the VW Bus have had horizontal louvres. Originally integrated into the ventilation system, they have been part of the visual Volkswagen DNA since at least the debut of the ID. Buzz. In the ID. CROSS Concept, Volkswagen is now using them in an SUV for the first time. The louvres not only form a stylish bridge to the ID. Buzz, but also lower the greenhouse’s visual centre of gravity. At night, the outer edges of the louvres are illuminated. Now let’s look at the Golf: the C-pillars extend downwards into the area below the window line and further into the robust wheel arches. The C-pillars rest on the wheel housings, thus exuding maximum stability. Together, the upper and lower parts of the C-pillars resemble the taut string of a bow – thus evoking the Golf. Form follows function: at the same time, this has enlarged the rear door openings and the access to the rear.
Linear and stable. The silhouette is divided into three thirds by a straight window and character line: the upper third (roof and greenhouse) and the lower two thirds (painted door surfaces, wings and wheel arches). The line extends from the rear to the front, evoking design icons such as the Golf and the VW bus. This type of line also gives the body a high degree of visual stability in the silhouette. This reveals the monolithic and pure design of the side body surfaces, which curve outwards in the area of the doors, thereby unfurling their own power and emphasising the SUV’s high quality. Ergonomically designed and perfectly suited to the SUV character: the bar-shaped door handles.
Distinctive 21-inch wheel. A strong presence: the athletic flared wheel arches with robust plastic surrounds in Nature Black. If you look closely, you will discover a pattern consisting of light and dark squares on the wheel arches as a dash of ‘secret sauce’. The wheel arches also lend the silhouette a high level of stability. They house newly designed 21-inch light-alloy wheels named Balboa. Five twin-spokes in the aluminium shade Golden Dusk each form the hub. The inner areas of the rims feature elements in Nature Black, which perfect the aerodynamics of the wheels with their striking grooved profile. In cooperation with Goodyear, special 235/40 R21 tyres were designed for the show car, which continue the design of the rim in the tyre sidewall. Integrated on the front passenger side above the front right wheel arch is the charging socket flap marked with a small electricity symbol. The SUV side sill panel stretches between the wheels. This is also a robust element in matt Nature Black, rising towards the rear, which propels the ID. CROSS Concept forward with unmistakable dynamism.