[Quinn]

This is one of the more out there concepts we've seen from MB, but its meant to serve as a preview of original design cues that they can explore with their EQ sub brand. This was shown off at this years CES and will be a fully autonomous vehicle that will help to move both people and goods.

 

[Enzo]

That is quite an interesting design approach, though I understand its a working concept. I like the front fascia and illuminated grille, but why not offer 360 degree visibility out of a self driving car?

 

[Quinn]

Its more just an experimental platform for creative new designs. Its been advertised as a taxi/delivery van that can fulfill a few different roles. Also found some shots of the wild interior.

 

[PetersBenz]

Of all autonomous vehicles to roll out in full without an actual driver on hand it should be vehicles like these if you think about it. Setting them up for well defined destinations is the most fool proof way to get the tech rolled out and experienced first hand, all while having the least chance of getting in an accident. I would be sold on using them in that respect.

 

[Enzo]

You can see with most of these autonomous concepts that they are really trying to bring a lounge experience to cars. I know its just in prototype stage, but do we think it will actually be possible to have these cars pass safety regulations without seatbelts?

 

[PetersBenz]

You can see with most of these autonomous concepts that they are really trying to bring a lounge experience to cars. I know its just in prototype stage, but do we think it will actually be possible to have these cars pass safety regulations without seatbelts?

changing regulations as vehicles become more driverless will become reality, remember we're going through the biggest shift in the automobile

 

[Quinn]

As the number of accidents begins to decrease so too will the mandatory safety equipment required in cars. I would imagine that most of these fully autonomous taxi's will be restricted to inner city driving, so they probably wont reach speeds much higher than 25mph. Odds of bodily harm are much lower under those circumstances.

 

[PetersBenz]

I think its just a matter of what these systems are able to read and the fail safes in place because if they can perform in the city, they're good anywhere else really.

 

[Quinn]

I would imagine commuter cars like this will have a fairly low electric range, and top speed. So chances are they will just be used in downtown cores. I'm sure there is some logic behind the naming of the concept.

 

[PetersBenz]

I would imagine commuter cars like this will have a fairly low electric range, and top speed. So chances are they will just be used in downtown cores. I'm sure there is some logic behind the naming of the concept.

Once fully implemented I bet it won't be any different from self driving buses used in eastern parts of the world. Of course to work in more developed areas they need to be much fancier looking

 

[Enzo]

Most of the first generation models will likely be high roofed models like this to maximize cabin space. You can tell that automakers are trying to bring a sort of lounge environment to these autonomous vehicles.

 

[PetersBenz]

Its not a bad look for the masses that won't care about styling but prioritize price and convenience over everything else.

How Mercedes will achieve some of that with typical Mercedes styling is beyond me.