TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo

Mercedes-Benz has used the ‘trailblazing’ setting of Tokyo motor show to unveil its latest futuristic concept, the Vision Tokyo ‘Connected Lounge’.

Said to reflect the ‘growing youthfulness’ of the Mercedes-Benz brand and sized similarly to a mid-size sedan, the autonomous-capable Vision Tokyo aims to be spatially efficient, versatile and intelligently connected while appealing to Generation Z.

Powered by a fuel-cell electric drive system with induction charge capability, the Vision Tokyo has a claimed range of 980km, with 190kW from the battery and 790kW on the electricity produced by the fuel cell. CFRP tanks are ‘envisaged’ for in-car hydrogen storage.

"The Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo embodies the concept of an automotive lounge for a future generation of megacities,” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG.

“The purity and sensuality of the Vision Tokyo's styling defines a new interpretation of modern luxury from Mercedes-Benz."

The Vision Tokyo’s technology borders on the spooky. Innovative algorithms allow it to constantly evolve, adapting to the preferences of its occupants as they enjoy the digital life while the vehicle negotiates megacity traffic jams for them. Mercedes-Benz likens the vehicle to a ‘chill-out zone’. Manual control is also possible, thanks to a movable steering section and a ‘jump seat’ that releases from the lounge-like seating.

A traditional windscreen makes way for a continuous glass panel, while the front vehicle section can display a range of lighting functions. Mercedes-Benz uses the example of music being played inside the vehicle, in which case the display will ape a sound pattern, like a sound analyser.

The rear window, meanwhile, is adorned by an array of red LEDs which can be used as an indicator display or as part of the analyser function.

Monochrome Alubeam paintwork adorns the Vision Tokyo’s exterior, while side windows are screen-printed in the body colour to give privacy to occupants while still emitting enough entry light.

Lifting the look are 26-inch wheels, which are illuminated in blue (to emphasise the vehicle’s emission-free status) along with the side skirts. A roof-mounted fin ‘points to the potential of autonomous operation and the… sensors this requires, including a 360-degree camera.’

Access is via a left-mounted, upward-swinging door, with seating via an oval-shaped lounge. There is no traditional front or back, either, and the oval was chosen to allow conversation; a curious approach in this age of connectivity.

Large wraparound LED screens are set behind the passengers, with apps, maps and displays sourced from the vehicle’s entertainment system being presented as three-dimensional holograms.

Vision Tokyo is the fourth in the line of ‘visionary’ showcars created by Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Design Studios, following 2012’s Vision Ener-G-Force, AMG Vision Gran Turismo (2013) and 2014’s G-Code.

Read our full coverage of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show