Ola Källenius, the Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, posed a compelling question at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas: “Where do we take it from here?” His resounding answer came in the form of a groundbreaking global partnership with the creators of the Avatar films, heralding a new era of carbon-neutral vehicle production and emphasizing the crucial need for a sustainable future. This collaboration has given birth to the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – “Advanced Vehicle Transformation” – a concept car that is not just redefining automotive possibilities but also pushing the boundaries of human-machine-nature interaction.
Inspired deeply by the harmonious world of Avatar, the VISION AVTR is more than just a vehicle; it’s a philosophy on wheels. Designed with zero emissions in mind, it aims to reconnect us with the natural world, mirroring the Na’vi’s way of life. This visionary concept operates entirely independent of fossil fuels, thanks to its pioneering graphene-based organic cell technology. This technology is free from rare and toxic elements, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility right from its core. Despite its eco-conscious design, the AVTR doesn’t compromise on performance. It boasts an impressive 435-mile range and utilizes conductive charging technology, achieving a full charge in a mere 15 minutes. Furthermore, highlighting the importance of a circular economy, the organic battery components are designed to be fully compostable and recyclable, setting a new benchmark for sustainable automotive engineering.
Mercedes-Benz designers have truly breathed life into the machine, crafting an intuitive and immersive experience unlike any other. The VISION AVTR fosters a symbiosis between the driver and the environment, seamlessly merging human and machine. A curved display module showcases real-time 3D graphics depicting natural wonders from around the globe, including the Huangshan mountain range in China, the towering Hyperion Tree in California, and the vividly colored Pink Lake Hillier in Australia. These visualizations extend beyond the visible, illustrating natural forces like bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light, enriching the driving experience with a deeper connection to the planet.
Stepping inside the VISION AVTR is an immersion into revolutionary design and progressive luxury. The interior’s dynamic contours and ambient light strips draw inspiration directly from natural forms. Eschewing traditional buttons and switches, the vehicle projects its functions onto the driver’s body or hand, creating an incredibly intuitive and seamless interface. The center console, a symbolic representation of the Tree of Souls from Avatar, extends upwards, forming a roof structure of transparent surfaces, vibrant colors, and captivating hologram effects. Enhancing this interplay with nature, sections of the interior are crafted with color-changing fabrics that respond dynamically to natural light, further blurring the lines between the vehicle and its surroundings.
The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz AVTR is nothing short of a sculpture, a tangible dialogue between luxury and sustainability. The elongated “One Bow” design embodies a fluid loop structure, continuing the Avatar-inspired aesthetic. Fiber optic threads pulsate throughout the vehicle’s form, resembling neural pathways and visually representing the flow of energy into the wheels. Each wheel is engineered for independent drive, enabling rotations of up to 30 degrees, granting the vehicle a unique sideways “crab-like” movement, enhancing maneuverability in urban environments. Perhaps the most striking external feature is the 33 multi-directional moveable surface elements, or “bionic flaps.” These otherworldly elements are designed to interact and communicate with the outside world, creating a dynamic interface between the vehicle and its surroundings, and between the car and the driver.
The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car, a testament to future-forward thinking and sustainable luxury, made its grand debut on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, captivating audiences and setting a new vision for the future of automotive design and technology.
