PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Retro/electro Peugeot e-LEGEND foretells future design direction

Peugeot will shortly unveil to the public its 'vision of the future' in the form of the e-LEGEND concept, an autonomous EV that embraces heritage design cues dating back half a century.

Previously teased and set to debut at this year's Paris motor show during the first week of October, the battery-electric concept promises up to 600km range, with 500km range available from fast charging in just 25 minutes. And according to the manufacturer, it's also equipped with all the technology required to run autonomously in two self-driving modes, but the e-LEGEND can also be driven in two manual modes.

Autonomous soft mode is a comfort-oriented setting, with minimal stimulation from the car's digital screens and other information displays. An autonomous sharp mode operates like a high-tech business centre on the move, providing full connectivity for social media engagement and online corporate activities.

In either of these modes, the car's i-Cockpit steering wheel retracts beneath a sound bar to enhance the forward view of the 49-inch screen. Simultaneously, the front seats recline and the armrests redeploy, liberating extra storage area and revealing an induction charging area for portable devices.

A personal assistant on board responds to commands in up to 17 different languages from the driver or passengers, whether to change the driving mode, change music or open the doors. Peugeot plans to introduce this system to production cars within two years.

Acoustic design allows the driver to input navigation instructions verbally while the passengers listen to music in peace. Each individual passenger resides in a distinct 'sound bubble' – a separate compartment with differing acoustic qualities and entertainment sources.

The two manual modes are 'Legend' – a 'cruising mode' featuring a dash and woodgrain veneer harking back to that of the 504 Coupe – or 'Boost', which is a mode for dedicated driving enthusiasts.

In this mode, drivers can unleash the car's full output of 340kW and 800Nm through a four-wheel drive system. The e-LEGEND can shoot to 100km/h in under four seconds, the manufacturer claims, and the vehicle's top speed is pegged at 220km/h.

"Peugeot e-LEGEND concept is not just a technological manifesto," said Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Peugeot.

"This is the vision of a brand actively focused on an optimistic and ultra-desirable future. For Peugeot, autonomy and electric are synonymous with even stronger sensations. Boredom will never be part of our DNA."