Volkswagen ID-rivalling Renault Morphoz unveiled

Renault has revealed its all-new pure-electric Morphoz EV online following the cancellation of the 2020 Geneva motor show.

Claimed to blend the attributes of a sedan, coupe and SUV, the Renault Morphoz is based on the French car-maker's brand-new CMF-EV architecture that will form the basis of a whole family of pure-electric cars.

Like other 'skateboard-style platforms, the CMF-EV underpinnings will house batteries beneath the vehicle's floor, but towards the rear to help provide for an ultra-short bonnet.

Thanks to mounting the batteries as low as possible, space is maximised while providing for a better centre of gravity that leads to improved handling.

Cleverly, the Morphoz concept is also capable of varying in length to create either extra passenger space or easier manoeuvring in congested towns and cities.

In urban environments, where the 'City' mode makes more sense, the Morphoz measures in at 4400mm long with a 2730mm wheelbase.

In this mode the Renault is offered with a modest 40kWh battery that provides for a decent enough 400km range between top-ups – enough for most city-slicking.

Venture out of the urban scrawl and the Morphoz can stretch to 4800mm long with a wheelbase of 2930mm.

As well as offering more space inside, beneath the floor the concept can accommodate a larger 90kWh for a longer range of 700km.

If you're wondering how the Morphoz stretches from urban run-around to highway cruiser it's all done by a touch of the button, and with body panels that extend or retract.

The batteries, meanwhile, can be swapped at specific Renault centres where the SUV's lithium-ion cells are said to be capable of being switched over in 'just a few seconds.'

As well as bringing clever new undergarments, Renault designers have also admitted the Morphoz will provide styling cues for future Renault models.

The C-shaped headlights, for example, will become a hallmark of all future Renault EVs.

Other new design features include a clever front bumper that incorporates active air-vents that can prioritise either airflow to cool the batteries and computers or make the Renault slip through the air more easily at high speed.

Inside, the Renault gets a futuristic interior with a swivelling passenger seat and a steering wheel that incorporates its 10.2-inch digital instrument screen within its centre.

The passenger-centred, comfort-biased cabin is claimed to bring advanced Level 3 autonomous driving tech that will see the battery-powered Renault capable of driving itself on the highway.

There's no word when the first Renault vehicle will be produced on the all-new the CMF-EV architecture, but it could be as soon as early 2021 when the Renault ZOE is tipped to be replaced.