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.
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.
