Chrysler Airflow: First Electrician with Pioneering Ideas

With the "Airflow," Chrysler is bringing a famous name back into its portfolio: it originally referred to a streamlined sedan that entered the market in 1934 and served as an inspiration for, among others, Volvo models. However, due to its futuristic appearance, it was only moderately successful despite its notoriety.

Now, Chrysler wants to change that: the new Airflow is designed as an electric SUV, its appearance far less unconventional than its namesake, and it is set to become a new pillar in the drastically shrunk and aging Chrysler portfolio.

Like all others: One or two electric motors, starting at 125 kW

Much more interesting is the platform underneath it – which could be the new STLA-Medium, potentially available to all Stellantis brands starting from 2023. It forms the backbone of the compact and mid-size classes and thus fits models from all brands like Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel with Vauxhall, Peugeot, and possibly even Ram. During the Software Day, a few technical details were revealed. The Airflow could ideally travel up to 440 miles (almost 710 kilometers) on a single charge, with approximately 450 to 500 kilometers realistically remaining. Stellantis specifies the power of the electric motors at 125 kilowatts (170 hp) and 180 kilowatts (245 hp), also combinable. Here, they are matching the power played by the competition.

In the teaser film, the cockpit was equipped with three screens – similar to the new Jeep Cherokee: there is a display in front of the driver, a large one in the center, and a separate screen for the front passenger on the right. Additionally, probably as an option in series, there are two screens in the rear. The front passenger screen and the screens for the rear passengers each have an integrated camera for video chats and possibly for fatigue monitoring – with which you could then adjust the air conditioning, lighting, or fragrance.

Depending on your needs or personal preferences, you should be able to configure the infotainment system's menu structure yourself. Information and displays should also be able to be "swiped" from one monitor to another. This way, passengers can select a navigation destination or a piece of music that can then be transferred to the driver. You can swipe it onto the large screen so that the driver can follow the route guidance. Over-the-air updates are a given for the Airflow anyway.

What does that mean?

Chrysler urgently needs a new model: the Airflow is likely to be exactly that and already gives a subtle hint of what Stellantis will offer from 2023. However, the great revolution did not take place: the current information suggests a mature electric vehicle, more likely at the upper end of the CUV mid-range, from which not only Dodge, but also European models from Alfa Romeo to Opel and Peugeot can be derived.