Volkswagen Magellan concept

The Magellan concept study unites various segments of automobile design. When the Magellan was first conceived, a team at Volkswagen’s European Design Center in Sitges, near Barcelona took the emotive effect of the modern off-road SUV or Sport Utility Vehicle and combined it with the exceptional versatility of an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) and the agility of a station wagon. The result is a new species of automobile that possesses the adventurous, emotive spirit of travel in harmony with economy, practicability and the intelligent use of space.

The Magellan’s measurements are equivalent to those of an SUV: length 4,865 mm, width 1,860 mm. The new concept car’s height, on the other hand, is a new dimension in both senses: at 1,620 mm it is lower than a typical off-roader or van, but higher than a station wagon.

In addition to its technological status, the Magellan possesses the visual substance of an off-road vehicle, the clearly defined spatial layout if a van and the dynamic styling of an estate car or station wagon. Its progressive character, however, is achieved without recourse to superficial styling elements.

Among the significant visual details are the boldly flared wheel arches, the 19-inch six-spoke wheels with size 245 tires, the generous ground clearance and short overhangs with relatively long and boldly defined engine hood that emphasize its off-road qualities.

Station wagon features blend neatly into this overall picture and draw attention to the Magellan’s crossover function. They include a steeply raked windshield, and the shallower silhouette which has more of a sport station wagon about it than an SUV. Elements of MPV design are in turn reflected in the overall height and width and the spacious interior, in which materials of high strength and quality predominate together with a most exceptional lightless of form and details that seem to float almost freely.

The instruments and controls are no longer components of a classic ‘cockpit’ but also ‘float’ horizontally between the main dash panel and the instrument hood, taking the form of a continuous information and control column. Every component of the interior displays an incredible attention to detail, and a unique design language that is applied to even the smallest components of the interior. A combination of very fine fabric textures, translucent, metallic and painted parts all add to the unique character of this interior design.

Another ingenious feature of the Magellan: the navigation system is of the “GPS to go” type and can therefore be taken out and used for route guidance even when the vehicle itself is well off the beaten track.

The Magellan accommodates six people in all, on three rows of seats. The second row also has individual seats as at the front; full-width seating is provided at the front. A ‘monorail’ support frame with laminated plywood front-back adjustment rails let into the floor makes optimum use of the available space and – as with the instruments – creates the impression that the seats too are floating in the air. The third row of seats can be fully recessed into the floor of the vehicle.

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