“Where do we take it from here?” This pivotal question, posed by Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group and Mercedes-Benz AG, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, marked the inception of a groundbreaking collaboration. Mercedes-Benz joined forces with the creators of the Avatar films, forging a global partnership aimed at pioneering the next era of carbon-neutral vehicle production and underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable future. This alliance gave rise to the Mercedes-benz Vision Avtr – an acronym for “Advanced Vehicle Transformation” – a concept car that challenges existing boundaries and redefines the possibilities within the automotive realm.
Inspired profoundly by the world of Avatar, the VISION AVTR is more than just a vehicle; it’s a visionary concept embodying a completely novel interaction paradigm between humanity, technology, and nature. It offers a glimpse into the automotive dreams of tomorrow, where vehicles seamlessly integrate with the environment. Echoing the harmonious existence of the Na’vi with their natural surroundings in Avatar, the VISION AVTR is meticulously designed for sustainable operation, achieving zero emissions while fostering a deeper connection with the world around us.
At the heart of its sustainable design philosophy is a holistic system engineered to operate entirely independently of fossil fuels. The VISION AVTR utilizes cutting-edge graphene-based organic cell technology, consciously eliminating rare and toxic materials from its battery composition. This innovative power source not only enables an impressive range of 435 miles but also boasts rapid conductive charging capabilities, achieving a full charge in a mere 15 minutes. Furthermore, emphasizing a commitment to a circular economy, the organic battery components are designed to be fully compostable and recyclable, minimizing environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
Mercedes-Benz designers have breathed life into the machine, crafting intuitive interactions that were previously confined to imagination. The VISION AVTR experience is designed to immerse occupants in a unique symbiosis of driver and nature, seamlessly merging human and machine. A curved display module acts as a portal to real-time 3D visualizations of natural wonders. These breathtaking landscapes, including the Huangshan mountain range in China, the towering Hyperion Tree of California, and the vibrant Pink Lake Hillier of Australia, are not merely scenic backdrops. They serve to illustrate the unseen forces of nature, revealing bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light, enriching the sensory journey within the vehicle.
Revolutionizing sensory engagement, the VISION AVTR makes a bold statement in progressive luxury. The interior’s dynamic contours and ambient light strips draw inspiration directly from natural forms. Eschewing conventional buttons and switches, the vehicle functions are projected onto the driver’s body or hand, establishing an intuitive and seamless interface. The center console, a symbolic representation of the Tree of Souls from the Avatar universe, extends upwards, forming a roof structure composed of transparent surfaces that play with colors and holographic effects, further blurring the lines between the vehicle and the natural world. Enhancing the interwoven elements, select portions of the interior are crafted with color-changing fabrics, creating a dynamic interplay with the ambient natural light, adapting and responding to the environment.
The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR is nothing short of a sculpture in motion, embodying a tangible dialogue between luxury aesthetics and sustainable principles. The elongated “One Bow” design language showcases a seamless loop structure, further echoing the Na’vi inspiration, while fiber optic elements pulse throughout the vehicle’s form, resembling neural pathways and visually representing the flow of energy into the wheels. Each wheel is independently driven, granting the vehicle exceptional maneuverability, including the ability to rotate up to 30 degrees for a unique crab-like sideways movement. Perhaps most strikingly, the 33 multi-directional movable surface elements, known as “bionic flaps,” create an otherworldly aesthetic and facilitate a novel form of communication between the vehicle, its occupants, and the external environment.
The world premiere of the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car took place on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This groundbreaking vehicle serves as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, sustainability, and the future of driving, envisioning a world where cars are not just machines, but integral parts of a harmonious ecosystem.
