103EX Concept Shows Driverless Future Might Best Suit Rolls-Royces

By Tony Markovich - June 20, 2016

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Rolls-Royce is synonymous with luxurious rides. Sure, the company makes cars that are brilliant to drive as well, like the Wraith, but the top-of-the-line Phantom is more so intended for having a transportation experience in the back seat. Rich people buy Rolls-Royces, and a lot of those rich people also like to be driven around. But in the future, they won’t even need a driver.

The idea for Rolls-Royces is that not a single one is the same. They’re all bespoke, they’re all specked-out by the customer, and they’re all hand-built during a long period of time. As every other company focuses on the future of the car tech and how to be more green, RR is sticking to its core and thinking of the future of individuality.

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To that end, this week, RR introduced the 103EX, or the Vision Next 100. It’s an experimental physical example of how they see automotive form shaping up.

“Our vision, in its purest form, is to create the automotive equivalent of haute couture. This is the future of luxury mobility,” the release said. “Imagine a future where each Rolls-Royce is as unique as your own fingerprint. Dimensions, form, space, and materials – the drawing board is limitless, and you are the architect.

At first look, the design is polarizing to say the least. But it’s not supposed to garner a reaction like, “oh, that’s cool, I like it.” It’s supposed to make you question what you think a car should be and what it should look like. The ride offers a shape that completely caters to one single rear bench seat. With the oncoming of intelligent autonomous vehicles, there’s no reason to have a real “front seat” section, and the 103EX reflects that. The door panel and roof opens up to invite you into what RR wants us to refer to as your “sanctuary.” Within, you’ll be able to calmly eat Fruity Pebbles, or try a new sex position, or go through business expenses, or whatever it is you like to do with your free time in your car.

Additionally, like your phone has Siri or Cortana, Rolls-Royce wants your car to have an intelligent personality that can cater to you. Her name is Eleanor, and she’s intended to be a companion on your journey through life.

One thing she won’t be able to do for you: Pick how your car should look.