Yanfeng is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. The Chinese company specializes in interior concepts. Customers include the current three-series BMW, the Mercedes EQE or many models from the VW Group. There is practically no automobile manufacturer that does not work with Yanfeng. The Chinese supplier has now presented a concept study for Level 4 autonomous driving at its European headquarters in Neuss. We took a closer look at the study.
The study is called “Experience in Motion 2023” (XiM23) and gives an outlook on autonomous driving in the near future. What is meant is Level 4, i.e. the stage at which the vehicle navigates independently on freeways, for example, and is supposed to handle even complex traffic situations safely and independently. Thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art technology, the study should also offer its passengers a very special luxury experience and meet the wishes, needs and preferences of the passengers.
Wrinkle-free inside
Even getting into the concept vehicle is impressive: the doors, which are hinged in opposite directions, open electrically with a quiet whirring sound, while at the same time the individual seats swivel outwards automatically to give the passengers extremely relaxed access to the interior. While the author sinks into the comfortable passenger chair, Andreas Deubzer has already taken the driver’s position next to him. Deubzer is User Interface Global Design Director at Yanfeng and explains the highlights of the research study.
Cameras control the headrests
When our seats slide back into the driving position, the head of design gets enthusiastic: “Have you noticed how the headrests have adjusted themselves fully automatically to our different heights?” Of course not. The small cameras on the A-pillars had scanned our dimensions in order to optimally adjust the headrests to us. Since this process was barely perceptible and so inconspicuous, the author’s first glance was at the completely reduced cockpit.
The simple ambience in the so-called boarding mode initially causes amazement. The XiM23 concept study connects the passengers with a mobile app, with which the desired feel-good settings can be activated. But apart from the multifunction steering wheel, nothing else can be seen around the cockpit, not even guessed at. The lighting from the LED light strips that are abundantly distributed in the interior also appears very dimmed in the study. All passengers are recognized via a mobile app and their preferences, including driver preferences, are automatically adjusted to their needs. Sounds plausible and intelligent, but luxury actually looks different in our opinion.
Control by eye contact
Still, because this first impression changes at the latest when the ignition is switched on. In the second mode out of a total of four, an ultra-wide screen protrudes from the instrument panel, which is a good five centimeters high and stretches almost the entire width of the cockpit. The display has a high 8K resolution and shines with a brilliant display. Deubzer now asks me to focus my gaze on the outside of the display. A loudspeaker symbol then appears out of nowhere as a sign that the sound system can be adjusted. This is controlled exclusively via eye contact and works impressively reliably even with a bespectacled author. Other settings, such as for the heating and air conditioning, can be done via a small touchscreen, which is moved out of the center console together with the main display and a round rotary-push selector lever.
The towering center console wants to beguile with its pronounced simplicity, but in reality it is peppered with many touch-intensive surfaces. As soon as the hand appears over the console, other new vehicle functions are activated. In general, many things in the study initially work in the background. Only when additional functions are required are the previously invisible operating elements activated by gesture control and interactive surfaces. We are enthusiastic regarding the high variety of technologies.
The displays are getting bigger
Deubzer is now switching from the soothing Calm to the Rich mode. Both screens come out a bit further. Nevertheless, the relevant information for the driver is limited to the essentials so that he is not unnecessarily distracted or even overwhelmed.
Many well-known assistance systems such as a collision brake assistant or the lane keeper are available to him when driving. In a tricky situation, the electronic helpers in the XiM23 would immediately intervene and be actively supported by visual warnings from the many LEDs inside. Instead of being dimly white, they are now an effective warning in bright red.
The study shows that a wide variety of light impressions play a major role. The interior lighting changes its appearance depending on the driving mode. This is intended to increase well-being on board, as tests carried out in car handles have shown. Andreas Deubzer adds that this will be a major topic in the development of vehicle interiors in the future.
Autonomous with a giant, full-size screen
Now, in the so-called rich experience mode, the vehicle takes complete command. While the concept study is just simulating level 4 autonomous driving, the display in the instrument panel is now extended to its full height of almost 20 centimeters in order to present the passengers with infotainment content tailored to their needs. During the autonomous journey, all passengers and, of course, the driver too can let the ultra-wide, high screen sprinkle them with water: watch films, play karaoke or while away the time with other games on the journey.
While the vehicle swims in traffic, the huge display with an area of 1210 mm x 196 mm covers almost half the windshield. This may frighten one or the other, because it is now very difficult to look out ahead. But when autonomous driving finally comes, it will provide an oasis of relaxation. The car does the rest. The display in the center console is now also fully extended and is actually a 12.6-inch tablet.
Massage under fragrant scents
In addition to many vehicle functions, the tablet gives the occupants additional personalization options. It can also be completely undocked from the center console and passed on to the guests traveling with you.
Overall, the study leaves a very luxurious impression. The feel-good atmosphere can be increased even further using the immersive mode. When it is activated, the seat backrests recline into a relaxed position and effectively massage your back. The lavishly dimensioned LED lighting has a calming effect. In addition, fragrant scents can be distributed in the interior, which increase the already pleasant level of comfort.
We weren’t really on the road, but are in a hall in the Rhineland and want to know: Who is actually Yanfeng? In addition to the complete design of interiors, the Chinese supplier is considered a specialist in cockpit electronics and passive safety systems and also develops body parts. To this end, the company employs around 67,000 people worldwide, who work at over 240 locations. Of these, 4,200 experts alone work in one of the ten research and development centers around the world.
Conclusion: The future is near
With the XiM23, Yanfeng is already giving a concrete outlook for the near future. Some premium car manufacturers have already expressed their interest and knocked on the Chinese door. Which of the many creative features will make it into series production remains to be seen. However, we already believe that there will be many feasible solutions from the research study. (Guido Borck/cen)
