Wired into the future

The Geneva Motor Show is a significant automotive launch platform for global car brands for more than one reason. It is the most independent of all the shows in the annual calendar, simply because there are no local manufacturers queering the pitch and stealing the limelight. The flavour of the Geneva Show is also the most global in that so many of its premieres have worldwide relevance.

That is why many of the big, multinational car brands choose to unveil and launch their future cars in Geneva. This year’s edition of the motor show was no different. After last week’s coverage of the new cars launched at the show, here are a couple of concepts that were unveiled last week. Unlike the norm, where concepts are meant to just display the direction that the brand may want to pursue in the future, the two concepts we profile here are actually going to make it to production within the next two-three years. And they will look very much like they do here too. Both of these will be pathbreaking new vehicles that will redefine the segments they are entering.

The first is an all-electric Bentley – a concept that would have been rubbished by its fans just a few years ago. But today, with so many of the other car-makers lining up plans to switch to batteries from internal combustion engines, Bentley has decided to go the plug-in way too.

The other concept is a pick-up truck from Mercedes-Benz – a manufacturer that owns the iconic and radical Unimog brand. But who would have thought that the three-pointed star could adorn the bonnet of a pick-up one day. Some 20 years ago, Mercedes-Benz was the first premium manufacturer to launch a sports utility vehicle (SUV), the M-Class. It then went on to completely redefine the off-road segment. Will the new X-Class do the same in this new segment? It does look like the other brands will be forced to follow suit.

Bentley says that an all-electric car will not compromise the quality, refinement and high performance levels expected of the luxury brand. Renowned Bentley characteristics such as immediate, effortless surge of torque and grand touring range will be combined with new high performance technology such as rapid inductive charging and state-of-the-art on board concierge-style services for an effortless ownership experience, claims Bentley.

An electric Bentley would, for example, be able to drive between London and Paris or Milan and Monaco on a single charge and the on board experience will be enhanced for both driver and passenger. The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a two-seater convertible built like the Bentley of today, but entirely running on battery power. Incidentally, this is a fully functional concept.

A fusion of technology and materials is evident right throughout EXP 12 Speed 6e’s luxuriously appointed cabin. The entire central console, for example, is hewn from a solid piece of elegantly curved glass encompassing a high-definition OLED screen. All of the car’s principle onboard controls are accessible from here, including navigation, entertainment and climate control. Handmade, cut-glass sections on the steering wheel contain the controls for media, communications, navigation and car set-up. There are also two buttons featured at the top of the cut-away steering wheel, one offering an instant performance boost and the other the ability to limit speed, in urban areas for example. The car’s intelligent infotainment system is the central brain to access many real world services using connected-car apps.

On the outside, the iconic Bentley mesh grille features a complex 3D geometry and smoked finish with copper highlights that identify the Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e as a fully electric vehicle. When the car is running, the ‘6e’ logo illuminates in a striking, vibrant white.

Bentley says that the wing mirrors – which are cameras rather than traditional reflective glass – were inspired by the sculptural form of stealth aircraft fuselages. When rapid inductive charging is not available, EXP 12 Speed 6e can be connected to a mains AC power supply via the auxiliary charging point, subtly concealed behind the rear number plate.

Bentley believes that the concept will open discussions with luxury car buyers of the future to understand the desired expectations from an electric luxury car ownership experience. As a first step, Bentley is set to launch a hybrid electric Bentayga next year and the EXP 12 Speed 6e may hit the road by 2021.

Also on display at Geneva is the Mercedes-Benz ‘Concept X-Class’ study and it provides an outlook on the brand’s forthcoming new pickup. The concept attempts to highlight the combination of the strengths of a pickup with the classic characteristics of a star-branded vehicle. Mercedes-Benz could be the first premium manufacturer to account for the changing customer needs in the segment of mid-size pickups. It will also signal that its new tough one-ton pickup with seating for five people is the first such vehicle to represent an attractive urban lifestyle and family vehicle.

The company says that with the pickup, Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand its product range into a fourth model series. It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class. The key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe.

The interior of the concept car displayed at the Geneva Motor Show doesn’t lack in the luxury quotient. It features natural nubuck leather on the seats. This warm colour, which is also found on the dashboard, is combined with cool white nappa leather. The trim made of open-pore smoked oak contrasts with the brushed and polished aluminium trim elements. The modern flair is further boosted by round air vents, the free-standing high-resolution central display as well as the central controller and multifunctional touchpad.

In the X-Class, it will be possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services. Drivers will be able to connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any time and from anywhere. Mercedes says that the top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked. The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons possible.

Also on offer will be modern driver assistance systems based on cameras, radar, and ultrasound sensors. A Mercedes statement claims that a host of assistance systems will already come as standard.

The X-Class is expected to appeal not only to pickup owners wishing for more car-like characteristics, performance, safety and comfort, but also as an alternative for people who drive a passenger car, SUV or van.

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