We ride into future with self-self-driving Renault
ON THE ROAD
RENAULT is serious about autonomous cars. Within the next 18 months the French brand will begin to roll out selfdriving technology across its range of models, and the Renault Symbioz concept represents the marque’s ultimate goal.
It’s fully electric, features Level 4 autonomous driving functionality and can be connected to every ‘smart’ device you own. To see the tech in action Auto Express joined Renault’s engineers on test in France.
The Symbioz concept at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show previewed Renault’s ‘vision’ of what the future could be like in 2030, but this running prototype gives us a closer understanding of the tech the brand predicts will be on the road by 2023.
The model is based on a new electrical architecture and powered by a 72kwh lithium-ion battery; two electric motors on the rear axle develop the equivalent of 670bhp and 660Nm – enough for it to reach 0-62mph in six seconds, Renault says.
Climb in and the Symbioz operates like most conventional EVS; acceleration is instant, but being a prototype the car is a little rough around the edges when it comes to refinement, noise and comfort.
However, more significant is the Level 4 autonomous tech, which is referred to as ‘mind-off’ driving, meaning the driver can hand over total control to the vehicle while safely taking their eyes off the road.
When the car recognises an area in which it can operate autonomously, it prompts you to press two steering wheel-mounted buttons simultaneously; it’s as simple as activating cruise control and takes no longer to acclimatise to once engaged.
It all works seamlessly, accelerating smoothly, merging with traffic perfectly and overtaking slower moving traffic. The system also manages to negotiate a tight tollbooth, pay automatically and speed back up to merge with motorway traffic. To demonstrate the ‘mind-off’ capability, the car is put into ‘relax’ mode, which reclines the seat to what Renault calls a ‘zero gravity’ position while we wear a virtual reality (VR) headset as the Symbioz guides itself down the French autoroute at 80mph. It’s a completely alien experience not being
“It’s a completely alien experience not being aware of what is going on ahead of you, but it’s soon quite easy to relax”
aware of what’s going on ahead of you, but after several minutes it’s quite easy to relax.
As our motorway exit approaches the car alerts us that we will have to take control in 60 seconds; failing to do that will see it slow to a safe stop at the side of the road. It’s a very slick operation.
To make this level of autonomy possible, the Symbioz is fitted with an array of radars, ultrasound and lidar sensors, plus cameras, as well as high-definition mapping that ensures the car can accurately place itself on the road and read its surroundings.