“Where do we take it from here?” This pivotal question, posed by Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, unveiled the answer in a groundbreaking partnership. Mercedes-Benz joined forces with the visionary minds behind the Avatar films, embarking on a collaborative journey towards carbon-neutral vehicle production and a sustainable future. This alliance has given rise to the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – an acronym for “Advanced Vehicle Transformation” – a concept car that is not just futuristic; it’s a profound reimagining of the automobile.
Inspired by the immersive world of Avatar, the VISION AVTR is more than just a vehicle; it’s a concept that explores uncharted territories in the interaction between humanity, technology, and nature. It’s a visionary glimpse into the automotive dreams of tomorrow, where driving transcends mere transportation and becomes a symbiotic experience. Echoing the harmonious existence of the Na’vi with their environment, the VISION AVTR is engineered for sustainability, operating with zero emissions and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. It’s a holistic system designed to operate independently of fossil fuels, utilizing graphene-based organic cell technology devoid of rare and toxic elements. This pioneering power source enables an impressive 435-mile range, while its conductive charging technology allows for a full recharge in a mere 15 minutes, showcasing the future of electric mobility. Moreover, the organic battery components are compostable and recyclable, underscoring the crucial shift towards a circular economy.
Mercedes-Benz designers have breathed life into the machine, crafting intuitive interactions that redefine the driving experience. The VISION AVTR immerses you in a symbiosis between driver and the surrounding natural world, seamlessly merging human and machine. A curved display module unveils real-time 3D graphics of natural wonders, from the majestic Huangshan mountain range in China to the towering 379-foot Hyperion Tree of California, and the surreal Pink Lake Hillier of Australia. These visualizations illustrate the unseen forces of nature – bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light – bringing the invisible world to life.
The VISION AVTR makes a bold statement of progressive luxury, immersing the senses in revolutionary design. The dynamic interior contours and ambient light strips draw inspiration from organic forms. Eschewing traditional buttons and switches, the vehicle functions are projected onto the driver’s body or hand, creating an intuitive and seamless interface. The center console, a symbolic nod to the Tree of Souls from Avatar, extends upwards, forming a roof structure of transparent surfaces, vibrant colors, and holographic effects. Further blurring the lines between technology and nature, sections of the interior are crafted with color-changing fabrics, interacting dynamically with natural light and enhancing the sensory experience.
The exterior of the VISION AVTR is a tangible dialogue between luxury and sustainability, a sculpture in motion. The stretched “One Bow” design embodies a fluid, loop-like structure, further echoing the Na’vi inspiration. Fiber optics pulsate throughout the vehicle, resembling neural pathways and visualizing the flow of energy into the wheels. Each wheel is engineered for independent drive, enabling a remarkable rotation of up to 30 degrees, allowing for a unique sideways, crab-like movement, enhancing maneuverability and futuristic appeal. Perhaps most strikingly, the 33 multi-directional moveable surface elements, or “bionic flaps,” interact in an almost otherworldly manner, facilitating communication between the vehicle, the outside world, and the driver, representing a new paradigm in automotive design and interaction.
The world was introduced to the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car at its world premiere on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This Futuristic Mercedes Benz is not just a concept; it’s a vision of the road ahead, where luxury, technology, and sustainability converge to redefine the very essence of driving.
