Volkswagen Group introduces an all-electric autonomous vehicle concept, the Gen.Travel

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Group has recently taken everyone by surprise with the launch of an all-new electric vehicle concept featuring Level 5 autonomous driving capabilities. Dubbed as the Gen.Travel, this futuristic vehicle falls into a completely new vehicle category lying between the sedan and MPV body styles. Let’s check out the key highlights of this latest prototype -

Futuristic exterior

The exterior of this futuristic vehicle has two major parts - a transparent, glass cabin and a lower section incorporating all technical components, The window edges are positioned at a very low level, which offers a quite large view of the outside to the occupants. Another key exterior highlight of this self-driving vehicle is the wing doors that facilitate better entry and exit.

Modular cabin 

The Gen.Travel features a modular interior concept that can be customised for each trip and reserved as a Mobility-as-a-Service option. A total of 4 persons can be accommodated inside the cabin in different configurations such as - 

• A conference setup with four comfortable seats and a large table in the center for business trips 
• A family setup with front seats configured to entertain the children using AR
• An overnight setup with the conversion of two seats into beds that can be folded out to a full-flat position

Level 5 autonomous driving capability

The Volkswagen Group’s Gen.Travel comes with Level 5 autonomous driving capability, which turns the driver into a relaxed passenger, who has time for other things such as work, entertainment, family, or relaxation.

Ensuring maximum comfort to the occupant is the vehicle’s active suspension eABC (electric Active Body Control) that manages vertical and lateral movements ahead of time and optimises the driving style and trajectory accordingly. 

“With its NEW AUTO strategy, Volkswagen defines the mobility for generations to come – sustainable and digital,“ says Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation. “In the group-wide Volkswagen Innovation Research department, we are further advancing this idea, showing how our customers will be able to experience mobility in the future – for example, as a service. With GEN.TRAVEL, we can already experience today what will be possible in the near future with innovative technology. Door-to-door travel at a new level. Emission-free and stress-free.”

While it seems that the Gen.Travel might not be destined for production, some of its features could make their way to the group’s future models.

Also read: Meet Volkswagen’s new off-road EV concept, the ID Xtreme