The vehicle accommodates for five passengers, each seated on an oval-shaped couch around a 3D hologram projector that projects services from the entertainment system.
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Additionally, the German luxury carmaker plans have the world debut of a new concept auto at the Tokyo show.
Mercedes-Benz says “innovative algorithms” and a “Predictive Engine” will allow for the vehicle to become “more and more familiar with its occupants, their likes and preferences” with each drive.
The autonomous driving technology in the Vision Tokyo allows passengers to “chill and chat” without worrying about steering the vehicle through dense traffic.
It follows on from the shape-shifting Concept IAA, and F105 Luxury in Motion autonomous windowless sedan.
For the most part, the Vision Tokyo is presented as “the ideal partner” for Generation Z, defined as those that have grown up with the advanced communications technologies that have been evolving since the mid-1990s.
The real benefit to the Vision Tokyo though is its focus on autonomous driving, hinted at by the sensor-laden fin on the roof and the expansive displays inside.
Lifting the look are 26-inch wheels, which are illuminated in blue (to emphasise the vehicle’s emission-free status) along with the side skirts. For instance, if music is playing inside, the display can act as a visualiser, serving as an indicator to everyone outside that you’re listening to music.
Access is gained through an up-swinging large door on the left-hand side (we’re in Japan, remember?) to reveal a very roomy machine with seats for five, but not in the usual arrangement us older Generations are used to. For even though the members of “Generation Z” are frequent users of social media, they nevertheless prefer personal contact whenever possible. Wraparound LED screens and backlit seats complete the ambiance.
Of course, the vehicle can be driven manually, in which case the front facing seat slides out from the sofa seamlessly. The steering wheel, too, is then moved from its standby position into driving position. The use of pressure tanks made from CFRP is envisaged for the storage of hydrogen in the concept auto.
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This is a theoretical design study rather than a serious engineering project, but the Vision’s designed with an electric powertrain in mind, using both hydrogen fuel cells and a high-voltage, induction-charged battery. The overall range of the whole hybrid system, however, extends to 980 kilometers (609 miles). Thanks to the global nature of the Mercedes-Benz Design function, these concept vehicles take cues from local trends in design, culture and mobility and make these the focal point of the respective mobility concept.
