Ssangyong XLV concept : seven-seat diesel-hybrid SUV teased

Set to debut at new month's Geneva motor show, the XLV (‘eXiting smart Lifestyle Vehicle’) embraces Ssangyong’s new ‘Nature born 3 motion’ design language, which its designers says is evident in its “rhythmical and dynamic exterior”.

At 4430mm, the Ssangyong XLV concept is 290mm longer than the XIV-1 concept that preceded it, and has similar dimensions to a Mazda CX-5.

Its unique 2+2+2+1 seating arrangement, where the seventh seat “slides” between the second and third rows, claims to make the XLV concept one of the most flexible vehicles in its class.

Ssangyong promises “significantly lower CO2 emissions” than rival mid-size SUVs from the XLV’s diesel-hybrid powertrain, which teams a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. No output or performance claims have been released at this stage.

Intended to appeal to “the smart user who is active and seeks individuality and practicality”, the Ssangyong XLV concept gives an insight into the design of the brand’s next-generation urban-focused SUVs, a journey that started two and a half years ago with the XIV-1 concept.

More details on the Ssangyong XLV concept will be revealed in Geneva on March 4.