The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the craziest launch pads for new products to showcase. It is an Auto Expo-equivalent for consumer tech and it features cars too. A lot of carmakers usually flock to this event every year and CES 2023 was no exception. We saw some of the wild prototypes and concepts and here are the top 7 automotive updates from CES 2023.
Volkswagen ID.7 Wrapped with electroluminescent camouflage
At the CES 2023, we came across Volkswagen’s sixth all-electric ID variant and the first electric sedan dubbed as the ID.7. Although the carmaker didn’t divulge technical details, it did shed light on some of the specs. However, the QR-code-inspired electroluminescent camouflage painted on the car was extremely intriguing. It was something Volkswagen did to hide the car details although I can’t say enough that even if ID.7 arrives the same as it was showcased at CES 2023, I will be the first one to buy it.
Talking about the specs, the sedan is expected to debut with a 77kW engine with a 700Km range in an all-electric mode. An AR-based HUD, a 15” touchscreen unit, an upgraded HVAC system that automatically swindles temperature, and a few other things.
BMW I Vision DEE with Digital Emotional Experience
BMW has always been ahead in terms of concepts, design, and tech. We usually come across a lot of concepts that bend the space-time continuum with their futuristics designs and CES 2023 was no exception. The BMW next-gen 3 series concept I Vision DEE took the limelight as it can talk to the user and express its moods accordingly.
BMW I Vision DEE is equipped with monolithic exterior styling with 240 different segments each can be programmed differently. In fact, I Vision can change up to 32 colors showcasing animations, patterns, strips, and whatnot. The windscreen is immense and transforms into a giant fully-controlled HUD. It is an EV and thus, will be based on BMW’s sixth-generation EV powertrain. The production is set to commence in 2025 when I Vision will succeed the BMW i3.
Sony Afeela pops Up at CES, again
Showcased earlier in March 2022, Sony and Honda’s joint venture Afeela has popped up at the CES 2023 too. Showcasing the first production-ready model, Afeela will introduce a series of EV models hereon. Honda will be responsible for the powertrain, performance, and battery sourcing and charging while Sony will take care of ADAS, IVI, and in-cabin electronics to name a few.
Afeela plans to roll out EV models at a relatively low cost and that’s where both Sony and Honda have joined forces. Afeela EVs will be positioned above Honda’s. The Afeela EV cars will be introduced in North America in 2026 and both Europe and Japan will follow the bandwagon soon. It will have some serious autonomous capabilities too although more details will be available later.
The All-Electric Volvo EX90 EV SUV
Volvo unveiled its third all-electric model Volvo EX90 at CES 2023. The design has been tweaked a bit to accommodate its wider and longer form factor than the XC90. It has flush-fitting door handles, Thor’s Hammer headlights, and a LiDAR system made up of 8 cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of even small objects located as far as 600 feet. Yes, LiDAR works during the day and nighttime and even at high speeds.
A 14.5” Google-based touchscreen infotainment sits at the helm. There’s 5G connectivity, and a panoramic sunroof to name some others. Volvo EX90 brings onboard a dual-motor-all-wheel-drive powertrain configuration with the base at 408BHP and 770NM and the Performance model gets 517BHP & 910Nm as its output. The WLTP cycle onboard EX90 is 600 kilometers, has a 111kW battery pack, and takes 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. Volvo EX90 will go on sale sometime in 2024 offering a tonne of safety features to relish.
Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming For Cars
Loved AAA games? How about gaming in your car while it is recharging? Nvidia GeForce Now has the right solution for you. With the onset of CES 2023. Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming will be available for cars soon. With 1000+ games including top-ranking AAA titles, users can stream these games assuming that there’s a screen available to stream it. At present, Nvidia is working with Polestar, BYD, and Hyundai but we will see more carmakers added to the listings soon.
LG & Magna JV for ‘Executable’ Autonomous Driving
LG and Magna have joined forces to bring executable autonomous driving technologies onboard. Dubbed as LG Magna e-Powertrain, the company employs 1,000+ people. It will manufacture a series of components including inverters, motors and on-board charges. Here, LG wll exercise its experience in components while Magna will showcase its prowess in the electric powertrain systems and bring the best of both worlds on the products.
LG Magna e-Powertrain will explore both AV and ADAS market to bring autonomous driving on the streets. Apart from that, the JV is also looking forward to enhancing customer experience using a myriad of infotainment systems.
Innoviz360 Unveiled With Better LiDAR Performance
Launched as a successor to InnovizOne, the Innoviz360 promises improved performance by 30x and a 70% in cost reduction. The LiDAR technology offers up to 1280 scanning per frame and a range of 300-metres. Innoviz360 is capable of achieving Level 4-5 in automation in applications such as delivery vehicles, robotaxis, shuttles among others.
It has partnered with BMW and Volkswagen before and with more oEMs have been added with launches from Stellantis, Nisssan, Mercedes-Benz and others expected soon.
