Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz, posed a compelling question at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas: “Where do we take it from here?” The answer arrived in the form of a groundbreaking global partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the creators of the Avatar films. This collaboration signifies a bold step towards carbon-neutral vehicle production, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable future in the automotive industry and beyond. Out of this unique alliance emerged the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – short for “Advanced Vehicle Transformation” – a concept car that redefines the boundaries of automotive possibility, drawing profound inspiration from the world of Avatar.
The VISION AVTR is more than just a vehicle; it’s a visionary concept embodying a completely new paradigm of interaction between humans, machines, and nature. Reflecting the harmonious existence of the Na’vi with their environment in Avatar, the VISION AVTR was meticulously designed for sustainable operation with zero emissions, aiming to reconnect us with the natural world. This vehicle operates entirely independent of fossil fuels, employing graphene-based organic cell technology that eliminates the need for rare and toxic materials. Its powerful system enables an impressive range of 435 miles, and with conductive charging technology, it achieves a full charge in a mere 15 minutes. Notably, the organic components of this battery are compostable and fully recyclable, emphasizing the crucial principles of a future circular economy.
Mercedes-Benz designers have breathed life into the machine, forging intuitive interactions previously unimaginable. The VISION AVTR immerses occupants in a symbiotic experience, seamlessly merging the driver with their natural surroundings. A curved display module showcases real-time 3D graphics of natural wonders, such as the Huangshan mountain range in China, the towering Hyperion Tree of California, and the vividly colored Pink Lake Hillier in Australia. These visualizations illustrate natural forces often imperceptible to the human eye, including bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light, enriching the driving experience with an awareness of the unseen world.
The VISION AVTR makes a powerful statement about progressive luxury through its revolutionary and sensory-rich design. The dynamic contours of the interior and integrated light strips echo natural forms and flows. Eschewing traditional buttons and switches, the vehicle projects its functions directly onto the driver’s body or hand, creating an intuitive and seamless interface. At the heart of the interior, the center console – symbolically representing the Tree of Souls from Avatar – extends upwards to form a transparent roof structure, filled with vibrant colors and holographic effects. Further blurring the lines between technology and nature, sections of the interior are crafted from color-changing fabrics that interact dynamically with natural light, creating an ever-shifting ambiance within the cabin.
The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR is a captivating sculpture, embodying a tangible dialogue between luxury and sustainability. The elongated “One Bow” design, characterized by its fluid loop structure, further reinforces the Na’vi-inspired aesthetic. Fiber optic elements pulse throughout the vehicle’s exterior, resembling neural pathways and visually representing the flow of energy into the wheels. Each wheel is individually driven and capable of rotating up to 30 degrees, enabling a unique sideways “crab-like” movement, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces. Perhaps the most striking feature is the array of 33 multi-directional moveable surface elements, known as “bionic flaps.” These otherworldly flaps interact dynamically, facilitating communication between the vehicle, the outside world, and the driver, adding another layer to the car’s bio-inspired design and interactive capabilities.
The awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car was unveiled to the world on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a significant moment in automotive design and signaling a future where technology and nature converge in harmonious innovation. The Mercedes-Benz Avatar car is not just a concept; it’s a vision of the road ahead.
