The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR, The Future’s Future

The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR is the absolutely head-turning, traffic-stopping car concept inspired by the movie Avatar. The designers at Mercedes-Benz partnered with the team behind one of the highest-grossing films of all time to build the VISION AVTR.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

The VISION AVTR has an inside-out design that jumps from the silver screen world of Pandora onto reality. The “One Bow” design shows how much the future of vehicle design is in the hands of Mercedes-Benz. The car’s name is also a play on “ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION”.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

On Monday, January 6th, 2020 Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG unveiled the concept in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). “A visionary car that points far into the future. And a show car that is truly inspired by the fascinating world of Avatar,” he says. “The result highlights completely new ways of intuitively connecting humans and machines – without wooden sticks, plastic knobs or a steering wheel. The VISION AVTR also showcases new ways of moving people through the environment – sideways, like a crab, for instance. It takes sustainability to new levels through a fully recyclable battery, which is based on an organic cell chemistry and doesn’t need materials like nickel or cobalt.”

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

No Wheel, No Problem

The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR does not have a wheel. Just like in the visionary movie, the rider is connected to the mode of transportation; here, by the multifunctional control element in the center console. The driver places a hand on the control unit and the car recognizes him or her by the heartbeat and breathing.

By lifting the hand, a menu appears on the palm of the hand, offering different functions.

Recyclable Materials Battery

Using no rare earths or metals, the materials on the VISION AVTR’s battery, comprised of graphene-based organic cell chemistry, are fully recyclable.

“In addition to an exponentially high energy density – compared to today’s battery systems with up to 1200 Wh/liter – the technology also impresses with its exceptional fast charging capability via automated, conductive charging technology. This means that the battery will be fully recharging in less than 15 minutes,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “With a capacity of around 110 kWh, the VISION AVTR enables an electric range of more than 700 kilometers.”

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

Movement

The car comes with 33 “bionic flaps” on the back, similar to those found on reptiles. Subtle gestures from the driver make the connection to the car even more impressive. The “crab movement”, made possible by the option to drive the VISION AVTR on front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction, allows the car to move sideways by about 30 degrees.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

Sustainable Materials

The seats in the VISION AVTR have vegan DINAMICA® leather. DINAMICA® is the pioneer microfiber with environmental sustainability through the production cycle. On the floor, a new wood called Karuun® made of Rattan gives the interior of the VISION AVTR a natural feel and look.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

For more, visit www.mbusa.com.