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Concept cars have always been an excellent testbed for automakers, allowing them to gauge customer perception and response to the new or radical automotive designs they would consider for future production. Although concept cars allow automakers to challenge the boundaries of technology and reality, they also generate excitement for enthusiasts. The most curious and forward-minded motoring enthusiasts look forward to concept cars as guides for what the motoring landscape could look like in the future.
Whereas the talent and creativity among automotive designers are hard to deny, the automotive community has witnessed its fair share of genuinely jaw-dropping concepts. Some dreamy concept cars defy everything we ever imagined about cars, drawing mixed opinions from cool to crazy and outright ridiculous. With this in mind, we dug around and found the craziest future concept cars automakers have unveiled in the recent past. Whether all, most, or any of them will ever see the light of day, only time will tell.
10 Aston Martin Lagonda Vision
The last time Aston Martin deployed the Lagonda nameplate, things didn't quite work out as anticipated. However, the Lagonda Vision is a crazy concept that might rewrite the wrongs of the past. Designed with a living room-like interior made of high-end materials, Aston Martin seeks to challenge the traditional idea of luxury.
Considered one of the best ideas from Aston Martin in recent times, the Lagonda Vision features up-market features such as front seats that rotate to face rear passengers, rear-hinged doors, hidden lights, rear slide-out shelf, and a levitating key ignition. Aston Martin is well-known for its luxurious cars, and this future concept is an exciting proposition for luxury SUVs.
9 Audi Skysphere Concept
One of the craziest new concepts from Audi is the stunning Skysphere roadster concept. Deriving design inspiration from the 1937 Horch roadster and the original Quattro from the 1980s, the Audi Skysphere has a series of front axle actuators that allow it to transform from a spacious grand tourer to an agile and sporty two-seater roadster.
In GT Mode, the Audi Skysphere supports level 4 autonomy, allowing passengers to enjoy the full-width screen once the steering wheel and pedals are entirely hidden. Interior material in this EV includes wall-to-wall agave microfiber, vegan leather, and sustainably-sourced eucalyptus on the door panels.
8 DS X E-Tense
The DS X E-Tense is DS Automobiles' creative imagination of how sports cars could look in 2035. The 100-percent electric vehicle is wholly asymmetrical and appears as two cars merged into one, almost like the motorcycle and sidecar concept. The craziest features of the DS X E-Tense include two engines for two driving modes, a carbon fiber chassis, and self-repairing bodywork.
The concept car boasts a three-seat layout, an open pilot seat, and a passenger cocoon for two. Since the passenger cocoon is intended to be relaxing, DS Automobiles detailed its interior with feathers, fitted the seat with a massage option, included a coffee maker in the side panel, and incorporated a futuristic glass floor.
7 Audi AI-Trail Quattro
According to Claus Potthoff's interview with Forbes, the lunar rover-styled AI-Trail Quattro is the fourth concept Audi unveiled as part of its AI-branded future vehicle portfolio, designed specifically for off-roading. Audi utilized the concept's mono box volume and all-glass design to provide a 360-degree view that ensures the occupants enjoy the great outdoors. And to keep drivers focused on everything around them, the SUVs don't have display screens and instead allow for mobile devices to be mounted on the dash.
The open concept also allows drivers to have a clear view of all wheels, essential for driving an off-road SUV. The most intriguing feature is the five drones that fly ahead and illuminate the road instead of traditional headlights. The AI-Trail Quattro's rear seats are also designed as hammocks that can be utilized as outdoor furniture.
6 Rolls Royce Vision Next 100
For over 100 years, Rolls Royce has done a remarkable job building some of the most luxurious cars globally. The automaker unveiled the Vision Next 100 to represent the future of luxury mobility for the next 100 years, hinting at creating the automotive equivalent of haute couture. And for the first time, the elegant Eleanor will become a companion with a voice, integrated as part of the artificial intelligence in the autonomous vehicle.
From the common seamless surface, future Rolls Royce buyers will have the opportunity to sculpt their ride's size, shape, and silhouette from the wheels up. Nonetheless, the common feature will be the roof canopy that opens up entirely so that occupants can stand upright in the car. The canopy will boast a clear glass design that will ensure a breathtaking panoramic observatory.
5 Bentley EXP 100 GT
During its 100th anniversary celebration, Bentley unveiled the radical EXP 100 GT as its vision of what future GTs could look like in 2035. Although the concept is impressive in balancing old-school Bentley design cues with futuristic touches, the massive grille with 6,000 LED bulbs makes the most unmistakable impression. Additionally, the massive wheels consist of spokes that open and close to enhance aerodynamic flow.
Behind the oversized gullwing-style doors, the Bentley EXP 100 GT offers seats with multiple configurations that fit four occupants and adjust for autonomous driving. The concept will incorporate an AI that curates the journey and includes Capture and Re-Live modes that store and replay the sights and sounds the owner experiences. Designers also installed a passageway that transfers items like food and water stored beneath the hood.
4 Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow
The Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow is a one-seater concept that pays homage to the record-breaking 1937 W 125, not forgetting the alubeam silver paintwork from the historic Silver Arrows. Despite the traditional, high-quality material that dominates the interior, the concept boasts a touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel and a curved panoramic screen with back projection features.
Through the help of AI, drivers can utilize the panoramic screen to engage in a virtual race against present or historic Silver Arrow racing cars. As best described by The Verge, the Mercedes EQ Silver Arrow blends classic design with electric superpowers. Other highlights include a forward-folding driver's cockpit, non-rotating hubcaps, 168-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels, and two extendible rear spoilers for air braking.
3 Citroën 19_19
The all-electric Citroën 19_19 flaunts a recognizable aerodynamic design that incorporates a front with a double perspex bonnet extending to the vehicle's top and bottom. In some ways, the Citroën 19_19 mimics the unbroken shape of most aircraft cockpits. Since the focus is not on dynamic driving but total comfort for a long-distance commute, the concept features a rounded passenger cabin that creates a lounge experience to maximize comfort.
The front passenger benefits from a chaise lounge, while the rear occupants enjoy a plush rear-seat sofa. The futuristic and innovative design also includes a personal assistant that interacts with everyone on board and level 4 autonomous driving technology. Each passenger enjoys a personal sound zone, with personalized content sent directly to them.
2 Toyota LQ
The Toyota LQ is a head-turner featuring a closed front grille, a sloping roofline, partially glass doors, and DMD headlights. Toyota built the Toyota LQ concept with advanced technology that aims to create an emotional bond between the driver and the EV. According to Toyota, mobility goes beyond the physical human transportation to incorporate emotional engagement and the need to be moved.
Despite Toyota's noticeable resistance towards electrification, the automaker made significant investments into developing an SAE level 4 equivalent autonomous driving system for the Toyota LQ. However, the biggest highlight of the LQ concept is 'Yui,' the revolutionary AI-powered digital assistant that offers a more personalized driving experience. According to reports, the AI will have the ability to assess emotions and select music depending on the driver's mood.
1 Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR
Mercedes-Benz built the groundbreaking Vision AVTR concept with the Avatar movie team to showcase its vision for mobility in the distant future. Through its four high-performance and near-wheel-built electric motors, the AVTR can move sideways in a 'crab movement' that gives the concept a reptile-like appearance and movement.
Since the Vision AVTR concept lacks a conventional steering wheel, the car establishes a biometric connection with the driver when they place their hand on the center console. The digital neurons from the connection flow from the interior to the exterior and visualize the flow of information and energy. The Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR features organic battery technology, neuromorphic hardware to minimize energy requirements, 33 multi-directionally bionic flaps, and sustainable materials for the interior.