Mercedes-Benz gives the world of 2022 a taste of 2154.
The popular automaker recently revealed an "Avatar"-themed concept electric vehicle (EV) that brings the look and feel of the distant future back in time in celebration of "Avatar: The Way of Water's" premiere on the big screen.
Mercedes-Benz did not say if the car or any of its features will either be built or integrated into its current and/or upcoming lineup.
Mercedes-Benz AVTR Concept Car Features
Mercedes-Benz's "Avatar"-themed concept car, the aptly named VISION AVTR, is as futuristic as it gets from its appearance to its functions. According to the company's statement, it comes with a combined engine power of more than 350 kW, setting a new benchmark.
The battery can also be recharged in less than 15 minutes thanks to the technology the automaker used for the VISION AVTR's battery. It also allows the car itself to go as far as more than 700 kilometers on a single full charge.
It also has intelligent and fully variable torque distribution that manages the power of the four fully individually controllable motors in the best efficient way possible in terms of driving dynamics.
The VISION AVTR also has all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, allowing high-level driving dynamics and the best possible active safety, enabling each wheel to be driven separately and depending on the driving situation.
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To better prolong the battery's life, Mercedes-Benz decided to use an array of sensors and AI, creating a neuro-inspired approach to the VISION AVTR. This approach consumes less energy compared to traditional EVs, with it consuming only a few watts to run the car's sensors and chips.
These panels that look like a reptile's scales are the car's solar panels, which help prolong the car's battery life.
It also helps that the car has solar plates integrated into its back, which keeps it charged for longer periods.
As for the VISION AVTR's interior, it is as futuristic as its exterior, which features a reptile-like appearance even in its movement. The automaker replaced the car's gear shift with a center console, which switches the car on when its owner places their hand on it.
The VISION AVTR's interior showing the car's two seats and center console, where the driver can start the car up.
The car can recognize the driver by their breathing and a biometric connection, mimicking the brain connection between the Na'vi and the creatures around them, per The Verge.
The car ca with an oval-shaped joystick instead of a steering wheel and pedals, with the distance between the "neutral" position being the determinant of how fast the car will go.
How Does It Handle?
While the VISION AVTR is a gorgeous car to look at, it is a difficult vehicle to drive and maneuver. the joystick uses the same joystick technology used for drivers with disabilities while controlling the car is sensitive and difficult to moderate.
Ars Technica writer Abigail Bassett found the car difficult to drive too, describing it as challenging even at low speeds. Since it is a concept car, it doesn't have the comforts a manufactured car has. It doesn't have sound insulation and no suspension, which makes for a loud and bumpy ride.
It may not be the car of 2154 just yet, but it is a good first step.
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