Peugeot has revealed the radical Inception Concept at the CES technology show in Las Vegas , but it’s not just an unrealistic design exercise. The Inception Concept does showcase strong hints of the future design direction for the French brand, but the radical driver interface and advanced battery upgrades are also “coming to a Peugeot near you, in 2025”, according to Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Brand Design Director.

Underneath the Inception Concept is a new STLA platform that will underpin the brand’s new vehicles from 2025. The Inception Concept uses the ‘Large’ STLA platform, but it can be resized to be offered in Small, Medium and Frame versions to suit different models.

On this Large STLA platform, Peugeot has managed to fit a 100kWh battery that the company claims will achieve 500 miles of range. The 800V ultra-rapid charging allows for nearly 19 miles of range to be added per minute – equating to a 100 mile top-up in just over five minutes. Wireless induction charging also features on the Inception Concept, although Peugeot has not confirmed if or when it expects this technology to arrive.

The Inception uses a 100kWh battery that will achieve 500 miles of range and have 800V ultra-rapid charging

Power in this concept car comes from twin electric motors that deliver four-wheel drive and 671bhp, for a 0-62mph time of 3.0sec, suggesting that Peugeot is planning a high-performance version of the first STLA-based electric model arrives in 2025 – likely to be the next-generation Peugeot 508. 

Inside the Inception Concept is a radical departure from a conventional cabin, with the company’s new Hypersquare as its heart. The Hypersquare “is not a wheel, but a driving device”, according to Hossann. “It replaces a steering wheel with a touch-sensitive pad that offers fingertip inputs for gaming-like responses.” 

The Hypersquare can also fold away altogether, allowing the driver to make the most of the Inception Concept’s Level 4 autonomy, although full self-driving modes won’t be allowed in any production car in the near future due to road safety legislation.

Other highlights of the cabin include a roof made almost entirely of glass, and materials made from recycled fabric off-cuts from Peugeot’s existing manufacturing processes. Hossan describes how the Inception Concept shows “a general move away from black and chrome to warmer, more living-room like colours.”

The Hypersquare “is not a wheel, but a driving device" according to Peugeot

Outside is an angular, rather retro-inspired design that has pillarless, rear-hinged back doors and keeps the company’s trademark ‘claw’ three-bar light signature. It also features a Tech Bar that runs along the sides of the car to display charging information, and to house the necessary cameras and radars required for high-level autonomy.

Peugeot will offer a pure electric powertrain in every model by 2025, while its entire range will be electric-only as of 2030. It has also announced that it plans to be globally carbon net-zero by 2038.

The interior is made from fabric off cuts