Peugeot unveiled its vision of the brand for future electric vehicles at CES in Las Vegas with the Inception Concept. The futuristically designed study combines a new design language with numerous innovations such as a steer-by-wire cockpit without a steering wheel, “immersive seats” that adapt to the body shape of each passenger or communicating doors. At the same time, it is the beginning of a new era for the French.
“Peugeot aims to become the leading electric brand in Europe by 2030,” says brand boss Linda Jackson. In addition, five new all-electric models are to be launched in the next two years. “This goal and ambitious vision pave the way for a radical transformation of the brand.”
The name already indicates that it is about a new start in terms of model policy, which translated means something like introductory or founding concept. Designed under the direction of Peugeot Chief Designer Matthias Hossann, the design builds on one of the Stellantis Group’s four “BEV-by-Design” platforms (Small, Medium, Large and Frame), which have been specially developed for electric mobility and in will also be found in Alfa, Jeep, Opel & Co. in the coming years. The STLA Large platform was deliberately chosen for the Inception Concept in order to emphasize the numerous innovations of the sedan, which is only 1.34 meters low and a good five meters long.
This also includes the new design language that will be used in the next Peugeot from 2025. It will be interesting to see whether the production model will then be as geometrically sharp as the study. The crouched silhouette with its oversized wheels, the extremely wide front and acute-angled rear, each with the brand-typical claw light signature, catch the eye, as does the interior designed as a glass capsule, which extends to the feet of the driver and front passenger extends. All the glazing, more than 7.25 square meters, has special thermal and optical properties thanks to a treatment with metal oxides, originally used by NASA for the visors of astronaut helmets. On the outside, it is reflected in the neutral body colour, while on the inside, rays of light are diffused onto the materials, causing the reflections and hues to constantly change depending on the environment in which the Inception Concept is driven.
The front section also consists of a single pane of glass and combines the entire radiator grille and the brand logo into one element, which also houses the sensors. It is bordered by three thin horizontal lines that are crossed by the three claws. The new signature can also be found at the rear, whereby the claws appear to protrude into the vehicle thanks to the two layers of glass.
And there is also a spectacular innovation on the sides. Because here, a sunken screen band runs horizontally through the door surface and sends various messages to the outside as soon as the driver and passengers approach. The artificial intelligence with which the Inception Concept is equipped recognizes the driver and adjusts the comfort settings (sitting position, temperature, driving mode and multimedia preferences) desired by each occupant. In addition, the communicating doors show the charge status of the battery and have the usual greeting and farewell messages as well as the numerous sensors and radars that are connected to automated driving.
The biggest eye-catcher, however, is the cockpit without a steering wheel, dashboard and center console. Instead, there’s a digital and video game-inspired rectangular “hypersquare” with circular controls in each corner. In the center is a tablet-like screen that displays the information. The pictograms for the various functions (including air conditioning, radio volume, ADAS) are shown on the two side control panels. The operating system is combined with a flexible screen in the background that displays driving or infotainment information in 360 degrees. This “halo cluster” with its circular display also informs the passengers approaching the vehicle. During the transition to driving level L4 of future automated driving, the Hypersquare would retract and a large panorama screen would emerge from the ground.
The new cockpit concept is made possible by steer-by-wire technology, in which the physical steering column disappears and only sensory impulses and actuators on the front and rear axles take over control. Anyone who now thinks that the whole thing is once again only intended as a show effect for the stage: Peugeot has set itself the goal of introducing the Hypersquare in a next-generation vehicle before the end of the decade.
The same applies to the comfort-focused seats, whose immersive structure adapts to the body shape of each passenger and, in terms of proportion and posture, does justice to both dynamic driving and relaxed relaxation when the cockpit is retracted. The new driving experience on board should be supported by the interior design, in which the color black has been completely avoided in favor of materials with relatively neutral metallic tones, which change the atmosphere of the interior simply by playing with reflections. Both recycled, thermally pressed fabric leftovers made of 100 percent polyester and raw galvanized steel were used. The same applies to the special velvet made from 100% recycled polyester that covers the seats and floor.
In view of the many innovations, the all-electric drive seems almost ordinary. Peugeot is now catching up with Porsche, Audi, Hyundai and Kia and is equipping the Inception Concept with 800-volt technology. This means that a 100 kWh battery, for which Peugeot promises a range of up to 800 kilometers and consumption of just 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometers, can charge the equivalent of a range of 30 kilometers in one minute or 150 kilometers in five minutes. What is spectacular, however, is that you don’t even need a cable: the concept vehicle can be charged by induction. It is powered by two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, making the Inception Concept a vehicle with all-wheel drive. The combined output is almost 500 kW (680 hp). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes less than 3 seconds.
The Inception Concept catapults “drivers into a new dimension between dream and reality” blunts from Peugeot’s press release and promises “intense emotions when approaching, touching or boarding”. We’ll soon find out: Peugeot aims to bring most of its innovations into production by 2025. (Frank Wald/cen)