Peugeot’s radical Inception concept car introduces a simpler design

Peugeot’s future will be on show in London this weekend. 

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

Peugeot’s futuristic vehicle has a notional range of nearly 500 miles and supercar acceleration from rest to 62 mph in under three seconds, hands-free, autonomous driving with a big TV screen and pillarless, wide open doors.

Although the new ‘feline’ design language will definitely be introduced, don’t hold your breath for some of the more fanciful 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 show in central London alongside a smart surround digital display showcasing its hi-tech highlights. Even when the show-space was closed to the public, passers-by were taking photographs and sharing selfies with the car through the glass display window.

Futuristic: The radical Inception concept car introduces a new, simpler and more refined design language for the brand

Stretching to some five metres long, the 100 per cent electric Peugeot has the low (1.34m) sleek silhouette profile of an aerodynamic coupe.

Powered by a 100kWh battery it is driven by two compact electric motors – one on each axle – giving four-wheel drive and a combined power close to 680hp (500kW) equivalent to six Ford Fiestas, allowing it accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in under 3 seconds.

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

The battery charges the equivalent of just under 19 miles (30km) of range in one minute, or 93 miles (150km) in five minutes.

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

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

In its place is a ‘Hypersquare’ control where digital electric touch controls and a tablet-screen have replaced mechanical links. This offers a new ‘intuitive’ way of operating the car, says Peugeot.

Despite sceptisism 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 allows, Peugeot says the intention is that the Hypersquare controller retracts – along with the low-slung dashboard – and a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor. ‘The dashboard will be no more’, says Peugeot.

Inception can also be recharged wirelessly by induction – like many mobile phones – without the need for a cable, but simply by driving over an electrified pad

The vast and striking Skyspace panoramic glass roof gives a sense of brightness and space

Stretching to some five metres long, the 100 per cent electric Peugeot has the low (1.34m) sleek silhouette profile of an aerodynamic coupe

Key features include a new generation intelligent i-Cockpit and a ‘steer-by-wire’ system which ‘does away with the steering wheel as we have known it for decades’

A flexible circular screen called a ‘halo cluster’ will display driving or infotainment information at 360°

A flexible circular screen called a ‘halo cluster’ will display driving or infotainment information at 360°.

The vast and striking Skyspace panoramic glass roof gives a sense of brightness and space. All 7.25 m2 of smart glazing – comprising windscreen, side windows and quarter windows – is made from glass designed for architecture, and uses a multi-chrome coating treatment) employed by NASA for the visors of astronauts’ helmets to cut out glare and harmful UV rays.

Aerodynamic wheels feature individual illuminated Lion emblems which remains static when the wheels is turn.

The seats have adjustable quilted ‘mattresses’ at the shoulders to boost comfort. The car uses recycled and moulded textiles. The interior also uses exposed galvanised steel and a velvet-style material made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and printed with 3D patterns, including on the floor.

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