The Consumer Electronics Show is the world鈥檚 largest technology trade show, held in Las Vegas each January. It was originally designed as an event to publicise the newest commercially-available household gadgets, such as computers and stereo systems, but has expanded over the last decade-or-so to include a broader range of technology. Car manufacturers are now regular visitors to the Consumer Electronics Show, showcasing advancements in infotainment systems, safety technology, autonomous driving, battery packs and electric powertrains. As the worlds of cars and technology continue to merge, CES has become a fixture on the automotive calendar. The 2019 instalment of CES is all set to start on the 8 January and continue until January 12. Here鈥檚 our preview of the key car tech we鈥檙e expecting to see ordered by manufacturer. Audi envisions a future in which drivers will have more 鈥渇ree鈥?time behind the wheel, thanks to autonomous driving technology. The German company鈥檚 鈥渕obile movie theatre鈥?system aims to fill this 鈥渇ree鈥?time by allowing occupants to enjoy film and television programmes via mobile streaming services.
For the time being, the system is only operational when the car is stationary. However, it鈥檚 feasible that the technology could be used in future autonomous vehicles when self-driving technology is engaged. Hyundai MOBIS, parts supplier to the Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai, is planning a concept interior at CES which introduces several new technologies focussed on driver convenience and autonomous driving. First up is Hyundai鈥檚 latest 鈥淰irtual Touch Technology,鈥?an interior infotainment interface that recognises the driver鈥檚 gestures instead of touchscreen inputs. This system operates Hyundai鈥檚 鈥淲indscreen Display Technology;鈥?a windscreen which is transparent during manual driving mode, but which can be blacked out completely in autonomous driving mode, allowing the occupants to enjoy movies and streaming entertainment on a large display. Another feature of the concept will be an 鈥淓motional Recognition鈥?system, based on an AI platform which categorises the driver鈥檚 emotions and alters the interior lighting to suit their mood. It will also inform other nearby road users if the driver is distracted. Finally, Hyundai will showcase its latest generation of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology. Mercedes will unveil three new cars at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show.
First, the German company will debut its new CLA fastback saloon, which will borrow a host of technology and infotainment features, as well as a mild-hybrid powertrain from the newest generation A-Class. The German automobile manufacturer will also show its Vision URBANETIC concept; an autonomously-driven, all-electric vehicle which hints at Mercedes鈥檚 future plans for mobility. Mercedes plans for the model to be adaptable to suit either passenger transportation or cargo delivery. In addition Mercedes will roll out the EQC. This battery-electric, all-wheel-drive SUV debuted at the 2018 Paris Motor Show with a power output of 396bhp and a claimed range of 279 miles. Renowned Swiss design house, Rinspeed, is aiming to bring autonomy to delivery vehicles and taxis with its driverless SNAP and MicroSNAP concepts. The aim of the concepts is to speed up delivery times in congested city centres, where swarms of MicroSNAPs head out on individual deliveries in place of one big van doing multiple deliveries along a route. The SNAP concept was unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, of which the MicroSNAP is essentially a shrunken variant. With dimensions no bigger than a Renault Twizy, the concept is built on a 鈥渟kateboard鈥?chassis, with a choice of two interchangeable 鈥減ods,鈥?in either a passenger compartment or cargo compartment configuration.
The world had waited a long time for a baby Jag, and when the brand launched the XE in 2015, it shot straight to the top of the class. There have been updates, but have they been enough to keep it there? To find out, we test the 拢34,065 20d SE auto, although our pictures show a higher-spec 25d Portfolio. If the Mercedes is the more relaxed cruiser and the Alfa Romeo the sportier, more agile saloon, then the Jaguar splits its rivals鈥?traits, offering a good level of dynamism with decent comfort. The steering is fairly weighty, but has plenty of precision. The speed is good and matches the rate of response from the chassis, while there鈥檚 a decent level of grip. It rolls a little in corners, but the set-up鈥檚 compliant side means that away from our test track and on the road, the XE鈥檚 ride makes long journeys and rougher country roads easy to pick apart.