The pivotal feature of the innovative interior concept is the variable seating system, with four rotating lounge chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration.
This enables the front passengers to turn around and talk directly to the other passengers while on the move.
Or to focus their attention towards the front as necessary for manual driving, with an extendable steering wheel.
"We are convinced that autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving,' says Dr. Herbert Kohler, Daimler's head of corporate research and sustainability.
"Autonomous driving relieves pressure and stress in driving situations usually regarded as tedious, for example in tailbacks, in inner-city areas or on long journeys.
"At the same time, it opens up new ways in which people can make the best use of their time on the road."
Mercedes says the interior becomes a "digital living space" which is comprehensively networked as an integral part of the intelligent vehicle system.
The occupants are able to interact intuitively with the vehicle by means of gestures or touch displays.
The system monitors eye, hand and finger movements of passengers, which can be used to control the car's functions.
It also has screens which can either play films or show the outside world.
"The vehicle's surroundings, whether pedestrians, other road users or the local buildings, are also brought into the interior and portrayed as fluid all-round information on displays.
"With our innovative interior concept of a luxury lounge for an autonomous vehicle of the future, we are giving a specific outlook on our ideas of future mobility," said Dr Kohler.
"This interior concept forms an essential part of a new overall vehicle concept which we will be unveiling at the CES in Las Vegas."
- Daily Mail
