Opel unveils electric STX Concept wagon at Paris Motor Show
Opel revealed the STX Concept, a four-wheel-drive electric shooting brake prototype, at the Paris Motor Show as a design study previewing its future models and celebrating its wagon heritage.
The Opel STX Concept, a four-wheel-drive electric shooting brake, was revealed at the Paris Motor Show as a design study for future models. The Paris Motor Show runs until October 18. Opel CEO Florian Huettl stated that the study presents characteristics for future Opel models and highlights the brand's pioneering role in European wagons. The STX reinterprets the style of wagons and symbolizes the next step in Opel's design philosophy. Opel does not expect a production version to appear in showrooms soon, admitting the concept 'already contains elements of future Opel models'.
Design blends wagon tradition with futuristic electric architecture
The STX reinterprets Opel's wagon heritage through its shooting brake style. Opel has a tradition of such body styles, popularized by the Opel Olympia Rekord Caravan of 1953 and the Kadett Caravan of 1963. The concept features a light alloy body painted silver with blue and black details, vertical animated light blades, and 'STX' side inscriptions. STX stands for Sports Tourer eXperimental, with Sports Tourer being Opel's marketing name for estate cars like the current Astra.
The front design previews a dramatic evolution from current models. The full-width black strip is gone, replaced by a simpler design allowing lighting to appear through slots in a smooth surface. A large, illuminated Opel logo sits at the centre, with thin vertical lines of light above and below continuing the compass-like motif. The lower half features a bicolour aerodynamic splitter accented in blue. The front plunges dramatically, flanked by bulging wheelarches housing large 22-inch, three-spoke alloy wheels.
Cameras replace conventional rearview mirrors. No visible door handles are present. The side glass is barely interrupted by door openings and continues into the chunky C-pillar and over the V-shaped roof. The roof gently falls towards the back, giving a coupe-like look. The rear features a single curve defining the whole back, taking inspiration from cars like the 1960s Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan'. Opel states the design makes space for luggage while enhancing aerodynamics for efficiency and stability. The rear diffusor moves, as do large vertical elements hidden either side of the bumper. The Opel compass motif is repeated at the rear with thin red lines and a full-width lightbar.
Performance and technical details remain largely conceptual
While the concept features an 'innovative electrical architecture' including all-wheel drive, Opel has not said much about performance. The vehicle is described as combining electric architecture with integral traction. The car rides on Goodyear 285/35 R22 tires. Its aerodynamic system uses movable rear elements to optimize airflow, reduce drag, and improve stability. Blue diffusers project from the rear underbody at appropriate speeds. The only performance stat provided is a maximum speed exceeding 200 km/h.
Concept previewed by automotive media and rooted in Opel's history
The STX Concept was previewed by automotive media ahead of its reveal. It draws direct inspiration from Opel's historic wagons. Florian Huettl said: "O estudo apresenta características que estarão presentes nos futuros modelos Opel e sublinha o papel da Opel como pioneira das peruas na Europa." The concept is largely theoretical, with Opel emphasizing it is a design study. It already contains elements of future Opel models.
