CES: Mercedes teams up with Avatar for Vision AVTR

MERCEDES-BENZ has given fans a glimpse of what its plan for the future of sustainability could look like, by debuting the striking Vision AVTR concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The Vision AVTR concept is a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and the Avatar film franchise, with Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler AG chairman Ola Kaelennius joined on stage by legendary director James Cameron for the vehicle reveal.

While showing clear signs of Mercedes’ design language, the Vision AVTR features some unique and eye-catching styling elements, that give it a futuristic look that would not be out of place in the Avatar films.

From the front, the Vision AVTR echoes the design language of other concepts such as the Vision EQS with a fascia that flows forward towards the large central grille, framed at the top by a long LED lighting strip.

Numerous elements have been inspired by Avatar, such as the wheels which feature a unique tread pattern and illuminated rims that stretch out onto the tyre, with a bulky and oversized design that forces the wheelarches to bulge from the bonnet and rear flanks.

The rounded design of the wheels allows the Vision AVTR different driving movements, as well as a smaller turning circle when combined with rear-wheel steering, which can allow the vehicle to move 30 degrees diagonally.

Both occupant doors are constructed from glass and framed with serigraphy to give the cabin the impression of lightness, and the opening and closing of the doors is inspired by the native flying animals in Avatar.

At the back of the vehicle, the Vision AVTR features 33 multi-directional movable surface elements which allow the vehicle to interact with its surroundings, and can reflect the emotions and activities of its occupants.

Inside, the Vision AVTR uses a new design approach that has been inspired by nature, and features a number of elements inspired by Avatar.

The centre console is replaced by a flowing dashboard screen that glides to the rear of the car, while the futuristic-looking seats are upholstered in vegan Dinamica leather, made with recycled clothing, flags and PET plastic bottles.

Mercedes has developed a new control unit in the centre console that can recognise the driver through heart rate and breathing, and can be used in place of a traditional steering wheel when the driver does not want to engage in autonomous driving.

One of the main themes of the Vision AVTR is its sustainability, with its all-electric battery system composed with graphene-based organic cell chemistry that uses no rare earths and metals, which therefore makes them compostable and recyclable.

Mercedes estimates the Vision AVTR concept’s battery will have a capacity of around 110kWh and driving range of over 700km, while its extremely high energy density allows a full recharge to be achieved in just 15 minutes.

Power outputs have not yet been disclosed other than its power figure will be over 350kW, with power sent to all four wheels.

Mr Kaelennius said the Vision AVTR represented a blend of luxury and sustainability for Mercedes.

“Mercedes-Benz has always been a technology and a luxury brand,” he said.

“And it is time to bring luxury and sustainability even closer together. Because for us, the two are no contradiction.”