Peugeot’s radical Inception concept car introduces a simpler design

The future of Peugeot will be on display in London this weekend.

The radical Inception concept car introduces a new, simpler and more refined design language to the brand, which will be seen on models from 2025 onwards.

Peugeot’s futuristic vehicle has an imaginary range of nearly 500 miles and acceleration of a supercar from standstill to 62 mph in less than three seconds, hands-free, autonomous driving with a large TV screen and pillarless, wide-open doors.

While the new “feline” design language will certainly be introduced, don’t hold your breath for some of the more imaginative ideas, such as replacing the steering wheel with finger touch controls familiar to video gamers and smartphone users.

I had my own personal inspection of the new Peugeot Inception this week, on display in central London alongside a smart digital surround display showing the high-tech highlights. Even when the show area was closed to the public, passersby snapped photos and shared car selfies through the glass window.

The 100 percent electric Peugeot stretches to about five meters in length and has the low (1.34 m) streamlined silhouette profile of an aerodynamic coupé.

Powered by a 100kWh battery, it is powered by two compact electric motors – one on each axle – giving four-wheel drive and a combined output of nearly 680PS (500kW), the equivalent of six Ford Fiestas, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h. h) in less than 3 seconds.

It is equipped with 800V technology and its energy consumption is 12.5 kWh per 100 km (62 miles).

The battery charges the equivalent of just under 30 km of range in one minute, or 93 miles (150 km) in five minutes.

Inception can also be charged wirelessly by induction – like many mobile phones – without the need for a cable, but simply by driving along an electrified path. Rolls-Royce has tried similar technology in the past, but has not adopted it.

Key features include a new generation intelligent i-Cockpit and a ‘steer-by-wire’ system that makes ‘the steering wheel as we have known it for decades’ obsolete.

Instead, there’s a ‘Hypersquare’ control where digital electric touch controls and a tablet screen have replaced mechanical linkages. This offers a new ‘intuitive’ way to operate the car, according to Peugeot.

Despite skepticism from many, Peugeot says its goal is to introduce the Hypersquare on a next-generation vehicle in the range before the end of the decade.

As self-driving technology and the law allow, Peugeot says the intention is for the Hypersquare controller to retract along with the low-slung dashboard and a large panoramic screen that slides out of the floor. “The dashboard will no longer be there,” says Peugeot.

Inception can also be charged wirelessly by induction – like many mobile phones – without the need for a cable, just by driving along an electrified path

The large and eye-catching Skyspace panoramic glass roof gives a sense of clarity and space

The 100 percent electric Peugeot stretches to about five meters in length and has the low (1.34 m) streamlined silhouette profile of an aerodynamic coupé

Key features include a new generation intelligent i-Cockpit and a ‘steer-by-wire’ system that makes ‘the steering wheel as we have known it for decades’ obsolete.

A flexible circular screen called a ‘halocluster’ displays driving or infotainment information in 360°

A flexible circular screen, called a ‘halocluster’, displays driving or infotainment information in 360°.

The large and eye-catching Skyspace panoramic glass roof gives a sense of clarity and space. All 7.25m2 of smart glazing – including windshield, side windows and side windows – is made of glass designed for architecture, and uses a multi-chrome coating treatment) used by NASA for the visors of astronaut helmets to reduce glare and harmful UV rays to exclude rays.

Aerodynamic wheels feature individually illuminated lion decals that remain static when the wheels are turned.

The seats have adjustable padded ‘mattresses’ at the shoulders to increase comfort. The car uses recycled and molded textiles. The interior also uses exposed galvanized steel and a velvety material made from 100 percent recycled polyester and printed with 3D patterns, including on the floor.

• The creation of Peugeot is on public display Saturday and Sunday at the ‘NOW-Trending’ gallery, the interactive Outernet complex in central London, opposite Tottenham Court Road tube station.