Group review of IAA
A few weeks have passed since the Volkswagen Group brands presented their latest innovations at the mobility event in Munich. The spotlight was also on numerous vehicles of relevance for the fleet, which we would like to highlight once again in a detailed review.
At the event première two years ago, the organisers presented IAA Mobility in a new dual format: While the automotive industry was meeting at exhibition grounds near Munich, Munich city centre was transformed into an open space for all those interested in innovative mobility ideas and solutions.
The concept of the open space event also worked extremely well at the second edition of IAA Mobility in 2023. Ably assisted by the summer weather, this was primarily due to the range of models – including, of course, those from the Group brands.
Vehicles in focus
Volkswagen, Audi, CUPRA and Škoda offered lots to see at IAA Mobility 2023 – even including world and German premières. Numerous all-electric models were on view and could even be test driven, while a true business classic was shown in real life for the first time with the new Passat Variant. It’s hardly surprising therefore that fleet managers were also among those who flocked to the “cosmopolitan city with a heart”: Firstly to take a look at the latest cars, but also to meet in person with the brands’ fleet customer advisors in the stylish FleetLounge shared by Volkswagen Financial Services, Volkswagen, Audi and CUPRA. And there was much to talk about:
Volkswagen: all-round electric
The Volkswagen brand presented its vision of mobility at a large exhibition stand at Odeonsplatz. However, probably the biggest draw for the business customers and the many potential user-choosers present was a familiar acquaintance among the fleet models: The new Passat Variant made its first public appearance at IAA Mobility – and provided a sneak preview in the run-up to its imminent market launch. It impresses with even greater spaciousness, sporty design and innovative technologies, such as the optionally available DCC Pro adaptive chassis control with dynamic steering. You can find out more about the highlights that the classic company car has to offer right here.
Of course, Volkswagen also brought numerous other models to Munich, such as the younger, fully electric sibling of the Passat Variant: The new ID.7 (power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 16.3-14.1; CO₂ emission in g/km: combined 0. Consumption and emission values for the vehicle are now only available according to WLTP and not according to NEDC.)¹⁾ is currently going into series production as a saloon and will also be available as an estate version next year. The all-electric ID.7 combines long range, fast charging and ample space. The newly developed optional ergoActive premium seats with pressure point massage and, for the first time, pelvic activation are particularly impressive on long journeys. With the ID. GTI Concept show car, the brand demonstrated for the first time how the popular GTI label is being transported into the age of electric mobility. The production version is scheduled to hit the roads in 2027 at the latest as an all-electric Volkswagen sports car suitable for everyday use based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform.
The near-production prototype of the new Tiguan was also presented to whet the appetite. The revised SUV appeared in a camouflaged version at IAA Mobility – but was officially unveiled shortly afterwards: Among other things, the Tiguan inspires with its expressive design – particularly noticeable on the front spoiler – and impresses with its high-quality interior and technical features, such as the standard IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, the optional DCC Pro adaptive chassis control and the optional Park Assist Plus driver assist system.
Audi: Premium electric
Not far away, the premium manufacturer from Ingolstadt invited existing and potential customers to its exhibition area at Wittelsbacher Platz. Audi presented its all-electric Audi activesphere concept car as a German première, thus providing a preview of what an electric crossover in five-metre format might look like in the future. In addition, Audi drew on various examples to show how material loops can be closed in the course of the circular economy for reuse in series production: You can also find out more about Audi’s sustainability strategy here.
Audi presented the new Audi Q6 e-tron product line in parallel, with an interior more consistently focused on the needs of users than ever before. At the same time, the development team at Audi has re-imagined the interior – and is using a three-dimensional, high-contrast design, for example, to deliberately place elements in the foreground or background and thus create a three-dimensional spatial architecture that is perfectly tailored to the occupants in terms of design and ergonomics. The Audi Q6 e-tron is also the first product line based on the completely newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and the new E3 electronics architecture. Another highlight at Audi was the upgraded Q8 – all the details of which can be found right here.
CUPRA: Progressively electric
Just a few minutes’ walk to the east, at Munich’s Residenzhöfe, the Challenger brand from Spain thrilled sports-loving drivers and drew all eyes with its CUPRA DarkRebel show car. The concept car pushes the ideas of design and performance to the limit – and thus far has only been seen in digital form: now at IAA Mobility, the DarkRebel was shown in its physical form for the first time.
For fleets and user-choosers, the CUPRA Tavascan offered a real and interesting company car alternative: The brand’s first all-electric SUV was presented as a production-ready concept vehicle and is due to be launched on the market soon. Which should go down very well with those entitled to a company car. By the way, you can get more information about the Tavascan right here at FleetHub.
Škoda: World premières
Parallel to IAA Mobility, the brand announced two world premières with the innovative “Simply Clever” ideas. One is the Superb, the flagship in the model portfolio with combustion engines. In the completely revised fourth generation, the classic saloon also returns to the model range. The popular Kodiaq is also being launched in a new generation: The brand’s top SUV features increased interior space and offers a new interior concept with 13-inch touchscreen (approx. 33 cm) and innovative operating elements. Its five powertrains offering outputs from 110 kW (150 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp) now also include a plug-in hybrid version – a first for the Kodiaq – with an electric range of more than 100 kilometres. More information will be available soon in your FleetHub.
All information applies to the German market. The vehicle images show optional equipment.
¹⁾Information on fuel/power consumption and CO₂ emissions given in ranges depends on the equipment selected for the vehicle.The specified fuel/power consumption and emissions figures were determined according to the measurement procedures prescribed by law. On 1 January 2022, the WLTP test cycle replaced the NEDC test cycle fully. This means that NEDC values will not be provided for new type-approved vehicles after this date. The information does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not an integral part of the offer. It is provided solely for the purpose of comparison between the different vehicle types. Additional equipment and accessories (e.g. add-on parts, different tyre formats etc.) may change the relevant vehicle parameters, such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, and, in conjunction with weather and traffic conditions and individual driving style, may affect fuel consumption, electrical power consumption, CO₂ emissions and the performance figures for the vehicle. Because it involves more realistic testing conditions, the fuel consumption and CO₂ emission values calculated in accordance with the WLTP are in many cases higher than those calculated in accordance with the NEDC. As a result, there may be corresponding changes to vehicle taxation starting on 1 September 2018. Further information about the differences between WLTP and NEDC can be found at www.volkswagen.de/wltp.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and the official, specific CO₂ emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide on the fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption of new passenger car models”, which is available free of charge at all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern, Germany, or at www.dat.de.
Status: 09.10.2023
© Volkswagen AG
