What Were the Most Realistic Car Technologies Shown at CES 2020?

The most realistic and impactful car technologies unveiled at CES 2020 were those closest to production, with Nissan's e-4orce all-wheel-drive system and Bosch's Virtual Visor leading the pack for their practical applications and near-term availability. While concepts from Sony and Mercedes-Benz captured attention, their path to market remains uncertain. This analysis breaks down the innovations from most to least likely to reach consumers soon.

What Was Nissan’s Major Unveiling at CES 2020?

Nissan introduced a new dual-electric-motor technology called e-4orce (pronounced "e-force"). This system, fitted to a Nissan Leaf prototype, reportedly delivers more than 300 horsepower and 500 pounds-feet of torque. Beyond raw power, e-4orce's key innovation is its ability to engage regenerative braking at individual wheels. This sophisticated control reduces the vehicle's pitch forward during braking, enhancing passenger comfort and stability. When combined with satisfactory driving range, this technology has broad implications for future Nissan electric vehicles (EVs).

A prime candidate for this technology is the Nissan Ariya Concept, a small SUV first shown in Tokyo. A production version of the Ariya could employ the e-4orce system, making it a highly anticipated near-future model. As stated by Takao Asami, Nissan’s senior vice president for research, the Ariya is "a showcase of technologies available in the very near term."

How Did Bosch Aim to Improve Driver Visibility?

Industry supplier Bosch presented the Virtual Visor, a transparent LCD panel that replaces the traditional opaque sun visor. Using a camera and artificial intelligence (AI), the system recognizes the position of the driver’s eyes. It then darkens only a small section of the visor to block glare, leaving the rest of the windshield clear to maintain an unobstructed view. While a simple pair of sunglasses is an easy solution, this technology could offer a significant convenience and safety upgrade, especially for drivers frequently facing low-angle sun. Bosch indicated the Virtual Visor is close to production, though its cost remains unknown.

What Luxury and Autonomous Concepts Did BMW Showcase?

BMW focused on the future of in-car experience with two distinct concepts:

• X7 ZeroG Lounger: This concept featured an extremely fancy front passenger seat that reclines up to 60 degrees. To address safety concerns, BMW integrated a special seatbelt into the seat itself and a "cocoon airbag" designed for wraparound protection in a crash. This technology demonstrates a vision for luxury and comfort in highly automated vehicles.
• i3 Urban Suite: BMW transformed its i3 hatchback into a mobile lounge for a single passenger. The production dashboard and driver's seat remain, but the rest of the cabin is dedicated to the passenger, featuring a personal entertainment screen and a "Sound Zone" in the headrest for private audio.
• i Interaction Ease: This abstract cabin concept explored interfaces for fully autonomous driving. It featured gaze detection and gesture control to interact with a full-windshield head-up display. The cabin's glass could change from opaque to transparent, and seats had embedded technologies for customizable comfort.

Which CES Concepts Were More Speculative?

Several displays were more visionary than immediately practical:

• Sony Vision-S: In a surprise move, Sony unveiled a fully-built electric concept car. The Vision-S uses 33 sensors for advanced driver-assistance systems. While Sony has the resources, it has not committed to manufacturing, making this a compelling but uncertain prospect.
• Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR: Created with the team behind "Avatar," this concept was inspired by the film's world of Pandora. It featured biometric driver recognition and organic battery technology. Its futuristic "bionic flaps" on the rear are a dramatic design statement but not a near-production feature.
• Hyundai-Uber Air Taxi: This partnership concept for an aerial rideshare network represents the most long-term and speculative vision presented, far removed from current automotive realities.

Based on our assessment experience, the key takeaway is that the most valuable innovations are those solving immediate problems. Nissan's e-4orce promises tangible performance and efficiency gains for imminent EVs, while Bosch's Virtual Visor addresses a universal driver annoyance. For consumers, these technologies offer a clearer view of the very near future of driving.