Volkswagen GEN.TRAVEL, the German autonomous showcase vehicle

Autonomous mobility remains one of the priorities of automotive brands, and many of them are working to make their cars able to dispense with the human driver. Volkswagen has just unveiled a showcase vehicle capable of operating under those conditions and featuring interesting innovations. This electric vehicle aims to set the trend in this type of vehicle and will be the basis on which they intend to build the next models of this kind, the Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV).

The showcase vehicle is electric and designed to move autonomously. In fact, it does not even have a foldable steering wheel; it lacks one entirely. It has Level 5 autonomous driving and allows passengers to simply enjoy the journey without having to worry about driving.

A vehicle for the future

Given its special characteristics, there is no chance it will be a car we can enjoy now. But it will be a good showcase of the capability of those cars of a not-too-distant future that will drive on the roads without a driver. It features an interior configuration that allows up to four passengers to be transported in complete comfort.

Passengers can sit facing each other and enjoy other comforts such as a central table, where they can work or enjoy time with the family. Its function is more geared toward offering mobility services than being a family car, so its design focuses on short trips where a work meeting can take place or where one can feel more cosy when travelling with the family.

The lighting is designed to prevent passengers from getting motion sickness and helps everyone travel relaxed. If there are only two travellers, the two front seats can be adjusted to become beds, helping them to be more comfortable.

On-board comfort is defined by the eABC suspension (electric Active Body Control). This system anticipates curves and braking, making autonomous driving smoother by optimising the driving style and trajectory. The battery capacity has not been revealed, although it is expected to be large, since these vehicles are expected to replace short flights.