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?” The answer arrived in the form of a groundbreaking global partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the creators of the Avatar cinematic universe. This alliance signals a significant leap towards carbon-neutral vehicle production, emphasizing the critical need for a sustainable future within the automotive industry and beyond.
This unique collaboration gave birth to the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR, short for “Advanced Vehicle Transformation.” This concept vehicle is more than just a car; it’s a visionary statement that reimagines the relationship between humanity, machine, and the natural world, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. Drawing profound inspiration from Avatar, the VISION AVTR embodies completely novel interactions, pushing the boundaries of what we conceive as possible in vehicle engineering and user experience.
Mirroring the Na’vi’s harmonious existence with nature depicted in Avatar, the VISION AVTR was meticulously engineered for sustainable operation with a zero-emission powertrain. It aims to reconnect drivers with their surroundings in an environmentally conscious manner. At the heart of this Futuristic Mercedes is a holistic system designed to function independently of fossil fuels, utilizing cutting-edge graphene-based organic cell technology. This innovative battery technology is free from rare and toxic materials, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to ecological responsibility. Furthermore, this advanced power source provides an impressive driving range of 435 miles, while its conductive charging capability allows for a full battery replenishment in a mere 15 minutes. Notably, the organic components of this battery are designed to be fully compostable and recyclable, highlighting the crucial importance of a circular economy for a sustainable future.
Mercedes-Benz designers have infused the VISION AVTR with intuitive interactions, blurring the lines between machine and living organism. The driver is immersed in a symbiotic experience, seamlessly merging with the vehicle and the surrounding environment. A curved display module presents real-time 3D visualizations of natural wonders, showcasing the Huangshan mountain range in China, the towering Hyperion Tree of California, and the vividly colored Pink Lake Hillier in Australia. These graphics illustrate natural forces often unseen by the naked eye, such as bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light, enhancing the driver’s sensory experience.
The VISION AVTR makes a powerful statement about progressive luxury through its revolutionary design, engaging all senses. The dynamic contours of the interior and strategically placed light strips echo organic forms found in nature. Eliminating traditional buttons and switches, the vehicle projects its functions directly onto the driver’s body or hand, creating an unprecedentedly seamless interface. The center console, a symbolic representation of the Tree of Souls from the Avatar films, extends upwards to form a roof structure constructed from transparent surfaces. This roof incorporates dynamic colors and holographic effects, further interweaving natural elements into the vehicle’s ambiance. Adding to the interplay of elements, sections of the interior are crafted with color-changing fabrics that respond and adapt to natural light conditions.
The exterior of this futuristic Mercedes is a captivating sculpture, embodying a tangible dialogue between luxury and sustainability. The elongated “One Bow” design showcases a fluid loop structure, directly inspired by the Na’vi culture. Fiber optic elements pulsate throughout the vehicle’s exterior, resembling neural pathways and visually representing energy flow into the wheels. Each wheel is independently driven, enabling rotations of up to 30 degrees and facilitating a unique sideways, crab-like movement, enhancing maneuverability. Perhaps most strikingly, the 33 multi-directional movable surface elements, known as “bionic flaps,” create an otherworldly aesthetic while facilitating communication between the vehicle, the external environment, and the driver.
The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car, a true embodiment of futuristic Mercedes innovation, debuted to global acclaim on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, setting a new benchmark for automotive design and sustainable technology.
