Renault has lifted the virtual veils of its new concept vehicle, the Morphoz. The
name tells you from the very beginning this is not your ordinary concept
vehicle. According to Renault, the Morphoz “blends attributes of a saloon, SUV
and coupé into unique design optimized for efficiency and ease.”
This is a shape-shifting crossover concept
endowed with Artificial Intelligence, Level 3 autonomy and an all-electric
powertrain based on the new CMF-EV platform that will underpin a new family of
Renault EVs. The most intriguing part of the Renault Morphoz is undoubtedly its
ability “to physically and technologically adapt between two modes depending on
driver needs.”
The new architecture enables the batteries
to be located beneath the floor in the rear, ensuring a low center of gravity
and a short bonnet. This also results in a longer cabin and the possibility to
push the dashboard forward when needed to free up additional storage and space
for passengers – especially leg room for rear passengers. The fact that there
is no transmission tunnel also contributes to increased leg room. The Renault
Morphoz can therefore transform into two different modes: a shorter City and a
longer Travel version. In City mode, the Morphoz is 4.40-meters long
with a 2.73-meter wheelbase. It comes equipped with a 40 kWh battery
offering a range of up to 400 km, enough for daily urban and
suburban use.
In Travel mode, the Morphoz becomes
4.80-meters (long, with the wheelbase also growing to 2.93 meters. This allows it to accommodate additional battery capacity and offer
a more spacious interior. In this mode, the vehicle can be equipped with a 90
kWh Travel Extender battery pack offering a total range of 700 km. If
you’re curious how exactly the extending process works, the electric vehicle
elongates and converts to Travel mode at a pre-determined battery station where
the under tray of the vehicle opens and extra batteries can be installed in
just a few seconds. After that, the driver can stop at another station to
return the extra batteries and revert to City configuration.
Styling-wise, the Renault Morphoz embodies
the brand’s Family Petal design strategy and “heralds a new family of electric
models over the coming years.” The dramatic bodywork combines an Ivory Gold
metallic finish and Electric Yellow details which contrasts with the gloss
black of the interior. The concept is said to preview a specific C-Shape light
signature which will be used on future Renault EVs. It also features a backlit
badge, closed-off radiator grille and active air inlets on the front bumper.
There are also two vents on the bonnet to cool the Morphoz’s main computers
which are clustered around the powertrain.
Inside, the Renault Morphoz features a
futuristic steering wheel with a 10.2-inch screen at its center displaying
essential driving and safety information. The dashboard is highly configurable
and the cabin also allows for a face-to-face seating arrangement (except for
the driver).
Suffice to say it’s also equipped with Level 3 autonomy, 5G onboard
connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, and it makes smart use of batteries –
including when they’re not in use. It remains to be seen how many of these
features will make it to future Renault EVs.