Rinspeed XchangE concept rethinks the autonomous car's cabin

Rinspeed's XchangE all-electric touring sedan concept has been confirmed for the Geneva motor show, and focuses on how future drivers will spend their time in autonomous cars.

Founder Frank M. Rinderknecht says, "So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver. After all, traveling in a driverless car will no longer require me to stare at the road, but will let me spend my time in a more meaningful way".

Few details have been revealed so far, but the XchangE features luxury seats in the fashion of those in business-class on airplanes, while it uses a new operating and display concept with a range of entertainment, safety and service functions. These are designed to highlight the cabin's luxuriousness and comfort, with passengers being able to surf the web, listen to music, watch movies or read as well as access information.

Steer-by-wire technology, which removes components such as the steering column, means the steering wheel can be stored in the middle of the dashboard.

By Rufus Thompson