Radical Citroen 19_19 concept envisions autonomous long-distance travel

The concept rides rides on massive 30in wheels with equally conceptual rubber designed in partnership with Goodyear. Each tyre uses embedded sensors can communicate road conditions to the car when driving in autonomous mode, and is made with a bespoke compound inspired by natural sponge designed to improve traction in adverse weather conditions and reduce road noise inside the cabin.

“This project cannot be presented without thinking of AMI:One,” Head of Exterior Design Frédéric Duvernier explained. “They are very complimentary. On the one hand, you have a small economy car; on the other hand, comfort.”

“I like to think about an egg, because there’s nothing so simple. We tell our designers not to overcomplicate that car - it’s easier to make a newer design by adding lines, but keeping it very simple and working with surfaces is what we really want.”

Citroen calls the 19_19, which will receive its public debut at the Vivatech technology show in Paris later this week, a “true living room on wheels”, with an interior meant to feel like an extension of the passenger’s home.

Driver, front and rear passengers each have drastically different seating positions for maximum comfort. The thickly cushioned driver’s seat is sculpted and partly displays its underlying frame for a sportier feel, while the front passenger gets a reclining chaise longue meant to mimic a business class airline. The two are separated by a marble-styled centre console made from lightweight composite. Rear passengers get a sofa-like bench with a bungee-like fabric mesh acting as both headrest and access to rear storage.

“It’s been a trend I think, the last couple of years, to take a lot of influence from house furniture,” Duvernier explained. “Here the team has pushed it as far as they could.”