Tokyo 2015: Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo revealed

Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo TMS-18

The 2015 Tokyo Motor Show is in full swing, with Mercedes-Benz next in line to unveil its Vision Tokyo concept after teasing the autonomous MPV a few days ago. Touted as a homage to the urban Generation Z, or people born since 1995, the Vision Tokyo aims to become a “digital companion” to those brought up on new media, aside from performing its regular function as a means of transport.

Before we dive into how the Vision Tokyo is catered towards Gen-Z, let’s focus on the driving force in the concept. Based on the F-Cell plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the F 015 Luxury in Motion concept, the Vision Tokyo utilises hydrogen and an electric hybrid system that provides it a range of 190 km on battery power alone, and around 790 km on electricity generated by the fuel cell.

Moving on, the concept measures 4,803 mm long, 2,100 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall. In terms of exterior styling, there is a lot going on here with various surfaces illuminated in blue, including the large 26-inch wheels and side skirts. Monochrome Alubeam paintwork and side windows screen-printed in the colour of the vehicle provide the occupants with privacy.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo TMS-8

Across the front of the vehicle is a display with various lighting functions. For instance, if music is playing inside, the display can act as a visualiser, serving as an indicator to everyone outside that you’re listening to music. Other functions are certainly possible but have not been revealed as of yet.

Also seen at the front is a massive wraparound windscreen and very thin headlights, which is said to be adopted from the AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Viewed from the side, the Vision Tokyo shows off its only access point in and out of the vehicle, an upward-swinging door located on its left-hand side.

A fin on the vehicle’s roof houses sensors required for its autonomous operation, including a 360-degree camera. The otherworldly design is extended towards the rear window, where a ring of red LED cubes surrounds it. The LED array can serve as a conventional indicator display or as a sound visualiser as well.

A plethora of futuristic technologies can be found in the Connected Lounge concept, although you should keep in mind that this is a concept. The vehicle accommodates for five passengers, each seated on an oval-shaped couch around a 3D hologram projector that projects services from the entertainment system. Large wraparound LED screens are also located behind the passengers.

The autonomous driving technology in the Vision Tokyo allows passengers to “chill and chat” without worrying about steering the vehicle through dense traffic. But if required, manual control can be accessed, with a seat facing in the direction of travel releasing itself from the centre of the couch at the front, with the steering wheel moving into position automatically.

What do you think of the Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo concept? An accurate representation of the future of transport or something else entirely?

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo, TMS 2015


GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

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