Citroën 19_19 Concept Is An Aviation-Themed EV That Exudes Comfort

We've seen plenty of interesting concept cars over the years, with plenty of those coming from Citroën. The latest machine called the 19_19 Concept is certainly among them, and not just because it looks properly futuristic. Most concept cars center around an abstract design with little regard to form or function, but with the 19_19 it seems Citroën has tried to incorporate everything into a potential vision of the future. In this case, that vision is focused not on dynamic driving but on total comfort for long-distance traveling.

As such, one of Citroën's many colorful descriptions for this new concept is that of a living room on wheels. Looking at the pictures it's easy to see where that notion comes from – despite having limited space the cabin literally offers different seating options not unlike what you might find at home. The front passenger gets a chaise lounge, while a plush rear-seat sofa encompasses the back. As for the driver, the strange looking chair is said to deliver a "hyper-intuitive experience" that caters to the driver's needs.

We aren't sure what that means, but unlike many such concepts that offer no driver controls, the 19_19 still delivers a retractable steering wheel and pedals should a human want to assume control. Otherwise, Citroën says this all-electric vehicle is fully capable of handling all driver duties, which apparently also includes being an attentive host to other passengers. An advanced artificial intelligence is said to be part of the package and is able to interact with occupants on individual levels, which even includes broadcasting messages to potential passengers outside the vehicle on welcome screens built into the doors.

Speaking of the outside, Citroën says the 19_19 Concept is largely inspired by aviation, namely through a smooth over-the-top windscreen/roofline that mimics the unbroken shape of most aircraft cockpits. The bodywork in some spots is transparent, allowing mechanical components like the concept's dual electric motors (one for each axle) to show through. As for power, Citroën says the dual motors generate 340 kilowatts (456 horsepower) and 800 Newton-meters (590 pound-feet) of torque, which is enough for the EV to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in around five seconds flat. Top speed is 200 km/h (124 mph), and range between charges is 800 km (497 miles). When the juice runs out, a quick-charge capability can add 600 km (373 miles) in around 20 minutes.

That is, in theory of course. The 19_19 Concept is part of Citroën's 100th anniversary celebration, but bonkers design aside, the performance metrics aren't far off from what we see on current electric offerings from manufacturers like Tesla. As for the concept itself, it will make its public debut on May 16 at VivaTech in Paris.