The question posed by Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, “Where do we take it from here?” was answered with an exciting revelation: a groundbreaking global partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the creators of the Avatar film franchise. This collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards carbon-neutral vehicle production and underscores the urgent need for a sustainable future in the automotive industry and beyond. From this unique alliance emerged the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR – Advanced Vehicle Transformation – a concept vehicle that challenges conventional automotive design and redefines the possibilities of human-machine interaction.
Drawing profound inspiration from the world of Avatar, the VISION AVTR is more than just a car; it’s a holistic ecosystem designed to foster completely new dialogues between humanity, technology, and nature. It presents a visionary perspective on the automotive dreams of tomorrow, seamlessly blending cutting-edge innovation with a deep respect for the environment. Echoing the harmonious existence of the Na’vi with their natural surroundings, the VISION AVTR is engineered for sustainable operation with zero emissions, aiming to reconnect drivers with the world around them while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable Innovation: Zero Emissions and Graphene Battery Technology
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR lies a commitment to sustainability, exemplified by its operation independent of fossil fuels. The vehicle utilizes a revolutionary graphene-based organic cell battery technology, eliminating the need for rare and toxic materials. This innovative power source not only delivers impressive performance but also boasts an exceptional range of 435 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, the advanced conductive charging technology allows for a full battery recharge in a mere 15 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.
The forward-thinking design extends to the lifecycle of the battery itself. The components of this organic battery are fully compostable and recyclable, emphasizing the critical importance of a future circular economy where resources are utilized responsibly and waste is minimized. This focus on sustainability from power source to material composition sets the VISION AVTR apart as a true pioneer in eco-conscious automotive design.
Design Inspired by Nature: Blending Interior and Exterior Aesthetics
Mercedes-Benz designers have breathed life into the machine, crafting intuitive interactions that blur the lines between technology and nature. The VISION AVTR immerses the driver in a symbiotic experience, seamlessly merging human and machine within a natural environment. The curved display module acts as a portal, showcasing real-time 3D graphics of natural wonders from across the globe. From the Huangshan mountain range in China to the towering Hyperion Tree in California and the vibrant Pink Lake Hillier in Australia, the display visualizes natural forces often unseen by the naked eye, such as bioenergy, magnetic fields, and ultraviolet light.
The interior design language of the VISION AVTR is dynamic and organic, mirroring contours and light patterns found in nature. Rejecting traditional buttons and switches, the vehicle projects its functions onto the driver’s body or hand, creating a seamless and intuitive interface. The center console, a symbolic representation of the Tree of Souls from Avatar, extends upwards to form a transparent roof structure, playing with light, color, and holographic effects. Adding another layer of natural integration, sections of the interior are crafted with color-changing fabrics that interact dynamically with natural light.
The exterior of the VISION AVTR stands as a sculpted testament to the dialogue between luxury and sustainability. The stretched “One Bow” design creates a fluid loop structure, further echoing the Na’vi inspiration, while fiber optic elements pulse throughout the vehicle like neural pathways, visually representing energy flow into the wheels. Each wheel is engineered for independent drive, enabling rotations of up to 30 degrees and allowing for unique crab-like sideways movement, enhancing maneuverability and agility.
Perhaps most striking are the 33 multi-directional moveable surface elements, or “bionic flaps,” integrated into the rear of the vehicle. These otherworldly elements interact in a dynamic and fluid manner, facilitating communication between the VISION AVTR, its driver, and the external world, further blurring the lines between organic and technological.
A Vision of Automotive Future Unveiled
The world premiere of the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept car took place on January 6, 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. More than just a concept, the VISION AVTR embodies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, sustainability, and the seamless integration of human, machine, and nature. It serves as a powerful statement about the future direction of Mercedes-Benz and the automotive industry as a whole, inspiring a future where vehicles are not just modes of transport, but harmonious extensions of our interaction with the world around us.
