Paris show: Renault uncovers luxury mobility concept
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 2nd Oct 2018
RENAULT has lifted the lid on its futuristic EZ-Ultimo luxury autonomous concept, which the French car-maker envisions will deliver a premium mobility experience in a range of applications.
It is the third recent concept from the brand focused on the future of shared mobility, with the others being the EZ-Go ride-sharing platform and the EZ-Pro delivery vehicle.
All three models represent the four pillars of the brand’s strategic plan: electric, connected, autonomous and shared mobility.
While the previous two concepts were designed for day-to-day operation, Renault sees the EZ-Ultimo as a replacement for a luxury chauffeur service, or even a transport that can be used in conjunction with other companies.
For example, the EZ-Ultimo can be used by airlines to transfer business and first-class passengers to the front of the airport, by municipalities for a guided tour of a city, or simply as an upmarket mobility service like a limousine.
Like the EZ-Go, the EZ-Ultimo can be hailed through a smartphone app, and can also be booked ahead of time for special events.
Measuring 5700mm long, 2200mm wide and 1350mm tall with a 3880mm wheelbase, the EZ-Ultimo features ample interior space with a flat floor. However, unlike other ride-sharing services which are designed to fit as many people as possible, it focuses on transporting up to three people in comfort and opulence.
Featuring numerous premium materials including leather, velvet, herringbone-patterned walnut wood and even marble, the cocoon-like EZ-Ultimo interior draws inspiration from Parisian apartment blocks, and ensures passengers can see their surroundings without being seen from outside thanks to bodywork that acts like a one-way mirror.
The seating arrangement consists of one backward-facing armchair for one and a deep, forward-facing bench seat for the other two passengers to give the cabin a lounge-like feeling.
Entering and exiting the vehicle is done with ease thanks to the two-part doors that open automatically outward and upward.
From the outside, the EZ-Ultimo looks similar to the EZ-Go with its short overhangs and pod-like body style, featuring a two-tone paint job consisting of deep black with a green tinge for the lower section, and champagne gold for the upper section.
It also features a futuristic front fascia with protruding wheelarches, recessed head-and tail-lights, a massive panoramic glass roof, active suspension and a space-age wheel design hidden behind fairings with four-wheel steering to help the long, 1800kg EZ-Ultimo through tight urban spaces.
The EZ-Ultimo is equipped with Level 4 autonomous capability, meaning it is capable of driving on its own provided the areas are clearly demarcated and mapped in high definition, and the vehicle is connected to road infrastructure such as traffic lights and toll booths. Sensors are fitted in small boxes placed at the corners of the vehicle.
Power comes courtesy of a pure-electric powertrain feeding the front wheels, with exact outputs yet to be disclosed.
Charging is done wirelessly, as is smartphone and tablet charging inside. To assist in aerodynamics while driving, two small wings appear behind the rear wheels.
Earlier this year, Renault announced it would partner with the City of Paris to share expertise and help develop electric mobility for Parisian citizens, with the aim of operating a fleet of 2000 electric vehicles by 2019.
