“Where do we take it from here?” This pivotal question, posed by Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, signaled the dawn of a groundbreaking alliance. Mercedes-Benz embarked on a global partnership with the creators of the Avatar cinematic universe, a collaboration heralding a new era in carbon-neutral vehicle manufacturing and underscoring the critical imperative for a sustainable future.
This extraordinary synergy gave rise to the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – an acronym for “Advanced Vehicle Transformation”. This concept vehicle transcends conventional automotive design, forging unprecedented interactions between humanity, technology, and the natural world. Drawing profound inspiration from Avatar, the VISION AVTR pioneers a visionary perspective on the automotive landscape yet to come.
Echoing the harmonious existence of the Na’vi with their environment, the VISION AVTR is meticulously engineered for sustainable operation, achieving zero emissions while fostering a deeper connection with our planet. Its comprehensive system functions independently of fossil fuels, harnessing graphene-based organic cell technology devoid of rare and environmentally damaging elements. Boasting remarkable efficiency, this vehicle achieves an impressive 435-mile range, complemented by conductive charging technology that enables a full recharge in a mere 15 minutes. The organic battery components are fully compostable and recyclable, emphasizing the crucial transition towards a future circular economy.
Infusing life into machinery, Mercedes-Benz designers have conceived intuitive interactions that redefine user experience. The VISION AVTR immerses occupants in a symbiotic relationship between driver and the surrounding natural environment, seamlessly merging human and machine. A curved display module showcases real-time 3D visualizations of natural wonders, including China’s Huangshan mountain range, California’s towering Hyperion Tree, and Australia’s vibrant Pink Lake Hillier. These displays illuminate natural forces imperceptible to the naked eye, such as bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet radiation.
The VISION AVTR’s revolutionary design profoundly engages the senses, making a powerful statement about progressive luxury. The fluid interior contours and dynamic light strips emulate elements found in nature. Eschewing traditional buttons and switches, vehicle functions are projected onto the driver’s body or hand, creating an intuitive and seamless interface. At the heart of the interior, the center console – symbolically representing the Tree of Souls from the Avatar films – extends upwards to form a transparent roof structure, adorned with captivating surfaces, colors, and holographic effects. Further blurring the lines between technology and nature, sections of the interior incorporate color-shifting fabrics, dynamically interacting with natural light.
The exterior of the VISION AVTR stands as a captivating sculpture, embodying a tangible dialogue between luxury and sustainability. The elongated “One Bow” design showcases a continuous loop structure, reinforcing the Na’vi-inspired aesthetic. Fiber optic strands pulse throughout the vehicle, akin to neural pathways, visually representing the flow of energy into the wheels. Each wheel is engineered for independent drive, enabling rotations of up to 30 degrees, facilitating a unique crab-like sideways movement. Perhaps most strikingly, the 33 multi-directional movable surface elements, or “bionic flaps,” create an otherworldly interface, facilitating communication between the vehicle and the external environment.
The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car, a truly awe-inspiring embodiment of future automotive possibilities, made its global debut on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
