No, this is not about the 2010 sci-fi film of the same name, but about a radical concept by Peugeot that’s meant to showcase how the company will tackle its future vehicles. The Inception is an all-electric concept that showcases some of the upcoming technology the brand plans to trickle down to its vehicles from 2025 onward.
First, this edgy sedan is underpinned by the STLA Large platform, which has three modules powered by artificial intelligence (STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and STLA Autodrive) that will help the car do Level 4 autonomous driving.
The car utilizes two electric motors for all-wheel drive, allowing for a power output of “close to 680hp,” and is equipped with 800V technology, enabling it to eke out 800km on a single charge from its 100kWh battery. Plus, you can top up 150km of range from a five-minute charge, and you can choose induction (wireless) charging.
The biggest thing to talk about would be its design, utilizing a simplified three-claw design and a large Peugeot emblem front and center, similar to how the 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar looks like.
Starting from the top is a massive 7.25sq-m glass canopy made out of Narima glass, similar to those found in astronaut helmet visors, meaning people inside will remain cool, temperate and shielded from UV rays.
Along the doors, you will see the tech bar, which is a screen that is flush with the bodywork to communicate with the driver and the passengers as they approach it. Aside from battery level and welcome/goodbye messages, it utilizes sensors, radars and AI to recognize the occupants and set up their personal comfort settings, like seat posture, temperature, and media preferences.
Finishing off the bodywork is a single-coated paint job that changes its tint according to external factors, and Aerorim wheels that keep the Peugeot emblem upright at all times (à la Rolls-Royce) and display the brake calipers with mirror glass.
The interior previews the next generation of i-Cockpit design, which is called the Hypersquare. This funky-looking rectangular steering wheel is inspired by video games, with digital controls and steer-by-wire technology. All of the controls and the driving parameters are at your fingertips for a higher level of safety and can be controlled without taking your hands off the wheel.
And when you do decide to utilize the vehicle’s Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, the Hypersquare retracts into the dashboard and a panoramic screen comes out of the floor for all passengers to enjoy, thanks to the premium Focal hi-fi sound system.
And here’s the kicker: Peugeot wants to put the Hypersquare into production before the end of the decade.
The French marque mentioned that it will electrify its entire range by this year and launch five new pure-electric models by 2025. Apparently, the company wants to be Europe’s leading electric brand by 2030. If its cars will look as good as this concept, sign us up.
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