Renault unveils EZ-Ultimo self-driving limo concept

Renault has chosen the Paris Motor Show to unveil its third autonomous concept. Named the EZ-Ultimo, it’s a luxurious vehicle intended as high-end transport for short journeys.

Renault calls the EZ-Ultimo a ‘premium travel experience’ and suggests it would be available on-demand from ride-hailing services for anywhere from an hour to an entire day. It could be used for premium shuttle services, such as transporting clients between hotels and airports, or high-end tours.

The EZ-Ultimo offers a range of up to 310 miles and boasts level four autonomy – allowing it to function as a completely self-driving car in most situations.

Renault calls the interior of the EZ-Ultimo a ‘personal lounge’ capable of ferrying up to three passengers in a 5.8-metre long vehicle – a similar length to a luxury limo such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. There’s a wide entry door and rotating seats for ease of ingress and egress, while passengers are offered privacy by facets in the glass.

Passengers have a choice of a large armchair or two-person bench seat. The interior features upscale materials including wood, glass, leather and even marble.

The EZ-Ultimo is the third vehicle in Renault’s EZ range of concepts. The first was the EZ-Go, a six-seat minibus intended for ride-sharing, followed by the EZ-Pro, an autonomous delivery vehicle. The three vehicles together, Renault says, focus on “autonomous, electric, connected, and shared urban mobility services.”

Of these three, the EZ-Go and EZ-Pro are more likely to see production than the EZ-Ultimo. However, all three show Renault’s vision of an autonomous future – one that the brand is currently exploring through autonomous systems on its Zoe electric car.