Chrysler Airflow Concept unveiled at 2022 CES
Many years in the making, the Airflow Concept could be close representation of Chrysler’s first production EV to come
Chrysler has taken the wraps off its Airflow Concept at the 2022 consumer electronics show CES. A pure EV with a crossover shape, the concept will likely influence the carmaker’s first all-electric model, which is set for launch in 2025.
“The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the start of the brand’s journey toward a fully electrified future,” said Ralph Gilles, chief design officer, Stellantis. “It is the result of a thoughtful synthesis of the full arsenal of Stellantis’ connected vehicle technology – inside and out. The design features a decisively elegant aerodynamic exterior and a modern, sophisticated interior that takes the customer on a new level of digital delight.”
The Airflow Concept is a more developed version of the Airflow Vision concept that was shown at 2020 CES. From the outside, it feels relatively familiar and untheatrical. Details like the ultra-slim headlights, the chrome bar that runs through the grille area and spans the width of the face, and the unusual side profile, are all distintively Citroen-esque. This is no coincidence – the completition of the merger between Citroen’s parent company PSA and Stellantis was finalised in January 2021, with Jean-Pierre Ploue and Gilles heading up design across the respective portfolios.
The interior, on the other hand, seems a little more luxurious than Citroen models. Front occupants are cocooned by the wraparound upper section of the IP, which has a horizontal layout to maximise the feeling of space. The horizontal lines continue on the door panels, accented by lines of stitching, chrome and ambient lighting.
There is a significant focus on connectivity and UX. A large floating touchscreen sits astride the centre console, while the front passenger can make use of a seperate screen embedded in the middle section of the IP above the glovebox. When not in use, these screens appear as clean glossy black surfaces in the hope of blending with the overall interior composition.
As with the exterior, the inside of the Airflow Concept is bereft of any groundbreaking or futuristic ideas. There is mention of recycled materials and technology that has been integrated into surfaces, but Chrysler carefully avoids giving too much detail. As a result, the model could be fairly close to a production-intent car.
Although Chrysler is late to the EV game in having yet to launch an EV, the company says the launch of its first model in 2025 will kickstart the rapid electrification of its lineup, with plans to ensure all models are electric by 2028. However, with just two current models in its lineup (the Pacifica and the 300), the goal may not be insurmountable.