With the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, Peugeot decided to release the first official photos of the HX1, a six-seater MPV concept propelled by a diesel-electric powertrain.

On the outside, the aerodynamically optimized HX1 (Cd 0.28) adopts the company’s new “floating” front grille that we’ve already seen on the 508.

One of the concepts unique features are the seven-spoke alloy wheels that resemble turbine blades when stationary, while when on the move, they open up to form a flat surface for better aerodynamic performance. For the same purpose, a spoiler and two side skirts fitted at the top of the tailgate deploy above 100 km/h (62 mph).

The concept’s theme is named “Metamorphosis”, the Greek word for transformation that indicates the car’s ability to adapt to different driving conditions passenger requirements.

Despite its MPV designation, the HX1 is quite low (1,373 mm), with a large width of 1,990 mm and a length close to 5 meters (4,954 mm).

The HX1 sports four “half-scissor” doors that promise to offer easy access to the cabin, which can accommodate up to six passengers in three rows of seats. A wide array of materials such as natural oak with inlaid fiber optics, brushed metal and leather have been used inside, while Peugeot also added a variety of gadgets like touch-sensitive screens and a marble-adorned center console with a…minibar and coffee machine.

As far as the driver is concerned, the steering column moves electrically along with the seat for easier entry and exit. The steering wheel changes its settings when the driver selects the “cruising” mode for optimal stability and comfort, and the central screen can be adjusted according to the driver’s preferences, with the option of displaying only vital information.

The HX1 is motivated by Peugeot’s diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain similar to the one offered on the 3008 and from next year, on the 508 RXH.

In the concept, the internal combustion engine is a 204HP 2.2-liter diesel hooked up to a 6-speed auto transmission that powers the front wheels, while a rear-mounted 70 kW (95HP) electric motor turns the rear wheels, making it effectively a four-wheel-drive model. At low speeds, the HX1 can operate on the electric motor alone, emitting zero emissions. The combined maximum combined output of the electric motor and the diesel unit is 220 kW (299HP).

The HX1 takes Peugeot’s hybrid technology one-step further by featuring a plug-in charging capability for its lithium-ion batteries from a standard 240V socket. This enables it to offer a longer range on pure electric mode at 18.4 miles, or 29.6km.

Peugeot said the HX1 returns an average fuel consumption of 3.2 lt/100 km (73.4 US mpg or 88.2 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 83.0 g/km.

Now, if you’re wondering about the silver shoe displayed in some photos, Peugeot says it’s “concept shoe” created in collaboration with designer Pierre Hardy who was inspired by the concept car.

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