Peugeot Inception Concept has NASA-grade windows
Check out that wraparound windshield
The most recent products of Peugeot have stepped up in terms of style and technology. But apparently, the French automaker is set to become much bolder and more forward-looking with their future vehicles.
Peugeot has revealed the Inception Concept at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, giving a glimpse of what to expect from its next-generation electric vehicles that will come in as early as 2025.
The Inception Concept is a futuristic four-seat sedan that's underpinned by the Stellantis STLA Large EV platform. Its silhouette reminds us of the e-Legend concept shown in 2018 with its sharp lines and boxy profile, but the cat's claw light motif we currently see on the new Peugeot models has been adopted and is enclosed in a wide glass panel.
Speaking of wide, the most striking design feature seen on the Inception Concept is the huge windshield, which begins from the nose and rises to the roof panel. It then forms a borderless-looking connection to the glass roof to expose the entire cabin. The yellow hue of the windows is due to Peugeot's use of Narima glass, which is similar to the ones used by NASA astronauts in their helmet visors for enhanced thermal qualities.
Meanwhile, the Inception Concept's cabin is still far from being showroom-ready, but some interesting features have already been incorporated into the interior.
First is the rectangular steering wheel called the Hypersquare. It's inspired by Formula One steering wheels as it has a center-mounted screen with four circular openings for various vehicle controls like climate and radio volume. In addition, Peugeot says the wheel is connected via steer-by-wire. In other words, it's electronically connected to the front axle rather than the usual mechanical one. This means it can fold away into the dashboard when the car's Level 4 autonomous function is activated.
In terms of its powertrain, Peugeot says the Inception Concept has a dual-motor setup that produces up to 680 PS and delivers power to all four wheels. Its 100 kWh battery offers up to 800 km of range on a single charge. With its 800-volt technology that's induction-charging capable, the battery can add up to 150 km of range in just five minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
Much like other concept cars of the past, not all of the design features of the Inception Concept will make it to production. But Peugeot says the boxy styling, sharp lines, and muscular stance of the concept car will be characteristic of their future vehicles, along with the new-style steering wheel. Peugeot hopes to transfer the concept's innovations by 2025; just in time for their plan to launch five EVs in the next two years.
