The Connected Crossover : Byton Gives a Glimpse of the Car of the Future

Though more usually focused on applications and gadgets which will upend our worlds, geeks will have a new outlet this year, and those lucky enough to have seen it are already crowning it with praise. The Byton concept car is indeed making a sensation currently, and its launch goes far beyond the usual field of competition between manufacturers.

Byton, the car star of 2018

Despite its rather classic appearance, this electric vehicle is like a smartphone on wheels. This Smart car radically redefines connectivity and mobility as we know them, and demonstrates the technological lead Chinese industry has acquired in the automobile sector.

100 % electric, Byton has an engine with 476 horsepower, with an autonomous potential of  520 km. © DR

Inside, comfort has not been forgotten thanks to the touch-screen entertainment system, from one door to the other. © DR

Assisted driving with vocal control

It’s curtains for the traditional dashboard ! It has been replaced with a digital screen 49-inches wide, which covers the whole breadth of the interior. From now on, the driver and passenger can interact with the car via Vocal or Gestural control. What’s more, Byton has integrated Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa, and uses facial recognition. Available from 2019 on, this car is a worldbeater for another reason : it is priced at only 37 500 € !

According to the time of day, the panoramic roof lets daylight enter the vehicle. © DR

Seen from behind, discretion and sobriety are the watchwords. © DR