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The Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR autonomous concept car has been revealed at the CES.

 

Standing for Advanced Vehicle Transformation, the concept is inspired by James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar.

 

Aesthetically the Vision AVTR features an inside-out design inspired by several creatures from the blockbuster film.

 

According to the company, the concept “embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.”

 

Mercedes-Benz is also keen to point out, the concept “shows a completely new interaction between human, machine and nature.”

 

The back of the vehicle features 33 bionic flaps which mimic scales of reptiles. These flaps can communicate with the driver and to the outside world through naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures.

 

In place of the conventional steering wheel is a multifunctional control element in the centre console. When the driver touches it the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the driver by their heartbeat and breathing. The menu selection can also be projected onto the palm of an occupant’s hand which allows for selection of different functions.

 

Internally the seats are covered in vegan-friendly Dinamica leather and the floor is decorated with a fast-growing, sustainable Karuum wood.

 

Vision AVTR also uses battery technology based on graphene-based organic cell chemistry that is completely free of rare materials.

 

Interestingly, the Vision AVTR can also move sideways in a crab-like movement by almost 30 degrees thanks to the possibility to drive the front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction.