Peugeot E-Legend is inspired by the past, looks to the future
Just ahead of its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, French automaker Peugeot has shown off a new concept car that packs top tech but still draws on the brand's retro heritage.
It's called the E-Legend concept car. While it looks to be a blast to drive, the all-electric vehicle promises two autonomous driving modes. Flip it on and the steering wheel eases out from under the dash, the front seats recline and the armrests deploy automatically, allowing occupants to relax, play an integrated video game or watch a movie on the curved central screen or in screens built into the sun visors. The car has four-wheel drive and boasts a range of 378 miles, 310 of which can be had in 25 minutes thanks to a fast recharge.
When it came to exterior looks, instead of gazing to the future, designers turned to the past, pulling in visual elements from the 504 Coupe. The 504 was first launched in the late 1960s and was manufactured through the 1980s.
The outside of the E-Legend isn't all about being old school. There is a screen under the rear quarter window that displays a personalized greeting and charge level prior to departure. Once the vehicle is in motion, it also warns people outside the car it's driving in autonomous mode.
Inside the cockpit, it's back to groovy, where silk velvet is mixed in with a modern tech mesh. On the doorways there's Paldao wood, reminiscent of the furniture of the '60s that used rosewood or ebony. A fragrance diffuser scents the vehicle, with two scents created specifically for the E-Legend.
Aiding occupants is a voice-activated personal assistant, which can do things like adjust the driving style and open the electrified doors.
Another slick trick is with the audio, which accomplishes “mapping” and “zoning,” placing each passenger in their own “sound bubble.” This allows for individualization of audio. For example, navigation directions could be sounded to only the driver while passengers listen to their own music.
Peugeot isn't currently sold here in the U.S., so the chances of ever seeing a production E-Legend on our shores are slim to none. However, hopefully more brands will take note of moves like this, and we'll soon see more new vehicles blending classic with contemporary.
Matt Avery's book, “COPO Camaro, Chevelle & Nova: Chevrolet's Ultimate Muscle Cars,” is available on Amazon.com. Contact him at auto@dailyherald.com.