Skip to main content

Stuck in traffic? Rinspeed’s XchangE concept literally lets you kick back and relax

Everyone hates being stuck in traffic. While the boredom gets me, it’s the irrational frustration that’s worse. After not too long, I see everyone in traffic around me as a flat-out terrible driver. My brain turns everyone hostile for no reason.

But what if, rather than working yourself into a lather like me, you could relax and enjoy your commute home? Well, the ever-innovative Rinspeed may have a solution. The Swiss automaker has a reputation for making wild vehicles taken straight out of science fiction, and its concept XchangE is no different.

While automated cars are usually still focused on the driver being in control, the XchangE allows the driver to sit back in 20 different configurations that are usually reserved for the living room. Drivers can slide the futuristic steering wheel out of the way and toggle multiple display screens, or simply kick up their feet and enjoy the ride. In the back, Rinspeed channeled its inner “Pimp My Ride” with a top-of-the-line 32-inch monitor.

Naturally, the vehicle comes equipped with LTE wireless connectivity. After all, we all know how trapped we feel when we have no Internet, especially when relaxing or at work. The exterior of the vehicle is taken from the Tesla Model S, following Rinspeed’s custom of building on already cool models (see Rinspeed Lotus submarine), and is relatively unchanged. The grille has been replaced, a bodykit added, a unique panaoramic sunroof cut into the roof, and the vehicle gets to put on some new 20-inch Borbet shoes.

Unfortunately the Xchange probably won’t see the road. Delightfully, however, several of its technology innovations will certainly be examined for use, in particular automation and infotainment.

Trevor Dermody
Former Digital Trends Contributor
These new NASA EVs will drive astronauts part way to the moon (sort of)
NASA's new crew transportation electric vehicles.

Three specially designed, fully electric, environmentally friendly crew transportation vehicles for Artemis missions arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week. The zero-emission vehicles, which will carry astronauts to Launch Complex 39B for Artemis missions, were delivered by Canoo Technologies of Torrance, California. NASA/Isaac Watson

NASA has shown off a trio of new all-electric vehicles that will shuttle the next generation of lunar astronauts to the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center.

Read more
5 upcoming EVs I’m excited for, from luxury SUVs to budget champions
Lotus Eletre

Almost every major automaker has released an EV by now -- or plans to soon -- and makers like Ford and Kia already have a variety to choose from. But if you haven't found one that's right for you yet, hang tight. There are dozens of announced electric car models that have yet to come out, and it's clear that the future of EVs is bright.

From longer range to lower prices, the next batch of EVs gives us plenty to get excited about. Here are five upcoming EVs that we can't wait to drive.
Volvo EX30

Read more
Tesla shows off first Cybertruck after two years of delays
The first Cybertruck built at Tesla's Giga Texas facility.

The first Cybertruck built at Tesla's Giga Texas facility. Tesla

Tesla has shown off the first Cybertruck to roll off the production line at its new Gigafactory plant in Austin, Texas.

Read more