Key Takeaways
- The BMW Vision Next 100 featured two driving modes—Boost Mode for driver-assisted control and Ease Mode for full autonomous operation with an AI companion.
- Mercedes F-015 reimagined vehicles as mobile living spaces with a luxury lounge interior and the ability to communicate with pedestrians and other drivers through visual and acoustic signals.
- The Cadillac Ciel gained fame in the film Entourage and showcased elegant simplicity with an interactive center console stretching from front to rear.
- Lamborghini's Estoque broke tradition with a four-door design aimed at drivers who wanted supercar performance for everyday use—though it never reached production.
- Faraday Future's FFZero1 consulted with NASA for optimal driving comfort and featured a smartphone integrated directly into the steering wheel. Despite early hype, the company faced financial struggles and never achieved mass production.
For decades automotive companies have released concept cars to impress the public and competitors, gain publicity, and showcase the potential of future vehicle design. While very few concept cars make it to mass production, it is still worth admiring the workmanship of such innovative technology.
Here is our list of the top five best concept cars of 2015-2016:
BMW Vision Next 100
The BMW Vision 100 was revealed at the BMW Centenary Celebration in Munich on March 7, 2016. This concept car offers two advanced driving modes and a multitude of revolutionary tech-upgrades that can only be described as futuristic.
As RT News explains, Boost Mode enables the driver to take complete control of the vehicle while being simultaneously assisted by an artificial intelligence “companion." The companion is equipped with advanced radar and an interactive windshield that alerts the driver of upcoming obstacles such as pedestrians at a crosswalk or an accident ahead.
The second driving option branded as Ease Mode, enables the artificial intelligence companion to take full control of the vehicle allowing the driver to complete other tasks or to simply sit back and relax.
To view some more of the innovative features the BMW Vision Next 100 prototype car offers, check out this video published by CARJAM TV
Mercedes F-015
The Mercedes F-015 concept was first unveiled on January 5, 2015 but recently gained more press when Mercedes released a video showcasing many of the innovative features the vehicle offers.
The F-015 is expected to deliver more than a new driving experience. The people at Mercedes are striving to create a mobile living space by incorporating many different aspects of day-to-day mobility. The luxury automaker plans to capitalize on autonomous driving by emphasizing the importance of time management.
In cases where driving situations are less enjoyable such as in heavy traffic, autonomous driving can take control, allowing the driver to utilize time more effectively. This theme is consistent with the F-015’s extraordinarily comfortable interior that sits four people in its luxury lounge. The lounge is equipped with six interactive displays allowing the passengers to connect with the outside world on a continuous basis.
A very unique and interesting feature the F-015 offers is its ability to communicate with its surroundings through its visual and acoustic signals. The signals are used to interact with the outside world and can direct pedestrians when to cross in front of the F-015 or even instruct other drivers when to yield. Definitely one of the most interesting 2015 concept cars.
Official Mercedes release video for their concept car
Cadillac Ciel
The Cadillac Ciel made its debut in the popular film Entourage when the concept car is given to Superstar Vinny Chase as a gift from his agent Ari Gold for directing his first successful motion picture.
The car left many in awe, wondering when and where they could expect to purchase the simplistic yet beautiful Cadillac. Unfortunately, enthusiasts soon realized that the Ciel was still in concept phase. So for now, all we can do is hope that the model makes it to production.
When designing the Ciel, Cadillac emphasized that their goal was to create a simplistic, elegant, and spacious vehicle. The seats feature sloping bolsters wrapped in glove-soft leather allowing passengers to slide into the comfort of luxury with ease. The Ciel also comes equipped with leading-edge technology including an interactive center console that stretches from the front to the rear of the vehicle.The console allows the driver and passengers to check the weather, make reservations at nearby restaurants, post on social media, and perform many other online interactions.
Check out the behind the scenes Entourage and Cadillac Ciel video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMM_bZz2TLc
Lamborghini Estoque 2016
While the first Lamborghini Estoque concept model was introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini recently released a 2016 concept model.
Equipped with four-doors, the Estoque deviates from Lamborghini’s traditional two-door design to appeal to a market that has the desire to drive top-class supercars on a day-to-day basis. There have been whispers that the Estoque would house a 5.2 liter V12 or possibly a hybird or turbo-diesel engine.
One thing is certain, if you look under the hood of this supercar sedan you will not be disappointed.
Faraday Future FFZero1 Concept
The Future is NOW.
There was a lot of hype around the unveiling of Faraday Future’s first concept car: The FFZero 1. The vehicle was finally introduced at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and has been described as looking like a futuristic, all electric, single-seat Batmobile.
The engineers of the unique concept car even consulted with NASA to provide the optimal angle for driving comfort (in case you are wondering, the perfect angle is 45 degrees). Additionally, the Zero 1 comes equipped with a smartphone in the steering wheel that enables the driver to interact with various features on the car and remain connected electronically with the outside world.
Similar to Mercedes’ and BMW’s autonomous driving ambitions, Faraday promises its vehicles will be fully equipped with sensors and online capabilities that will enable it to operate autonomously
Check out the Faraday Future Zero 1 concept car marketing video:
To learn more about the company and FF Zero 1, check back for our exclusive blog post and interview with the FF Press Team.
Autonomous companions, interactive lounges, NASA-approved seating angles—these concepts paint a thrilling picture of tomorrow's commute. But here's the thing: your current truck or SUV already delivers something these prototypes can't—real-world reliability today. And until self-driving AI handles the school pickup and lumber yard runs, the spills, mud, and everyday chaos will keep coming. Smart owners aren't waiting for the future to protect their interiors. Tailor-made car seat covers bridge that gap between today's wear and tomorrow's trade-in value, no concept phase required.
Closing Paragraph (Revised)
Autonomous companions, interactive lounges, NASA-approved seating angles—these concepts painted a thrilling picture of tomorrow's commute back in 2015-2016. Nearly a decade later, some innovations trickled into production vehicles while others, like Faraday Future's ambitious vision, never materialized. But here's what hasn't changed: your current truck or SUV still delivers something these prototypes couldn't—real-world reliability today. And until self-driving AI handles the school pickup and lumber yard runs, the spills, mud, and everyday chaos will keep coming. Smart owners aren't waiting for the future to protect their interiors. Tailor-made car seat covers bridge that gap between today's wear and tomorrow's trade-in value, no concept phase required.
FAQs
1. Did any of these 2015-2016 concept cars ever make it to production?
Most never reached dealership floors in their original form. The Cadillac Ciel, Lamborghini Estoque, and Faraday Future FFZero1 remained concepts. However, elements from these vehicles—styling cues, tech features, interior innovations—influenced production models that followed. BMW and Mercedes incorporated aspects of their autonomous driving research into current driver-assistance systems.
2. Why did automakers invest so heavily in these concept vehicles?
Concept cars generated significant media attention and brand prestige while allowing engineers to experiment without production constraints. They signaled design direction, attracted new demographics, and created excitement around brands. The publicity alone often justified the investment, even when vehicles like the FFZero1 never saw a production line.
3. How realistic were the autonomous driving features shown in these concepts?
At the time, full autonomy seemed just around the corner. A decade later, autonomous technology has progressed substantially, though fully self-driving vehicles remain limited by regulatory, safety, and infrastructure challenges. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance now exist in production vehicles, but full autonomy as depicted in the Mercedes F-015 remains aspirational.
4. What happened to these concept cars after their debut?
Some ended up in manufacturer museums or private collections, while others were dismantled after serving their promotional purpose. The Cadillac Ciel appeared in Entourage, extending its marketing value. Faraday Future's struggles meant the FFZero1 became a cautionary tale about overpromising in the EV startup space rather than a stepping stone to production.
5. What lessons can today's vehicle owners take from these ambitious concepts?
Waiting indefinitely for future technology means missing years of practical use from today's capable vehicles. Current trucks and SUVs offer impressive technology, reliability, and versatility that serve real needs now. Smart owners protect their investment with durable truck seat covers and proper maintenance, ensuring their vehicle holds value whether they upgrade in a few years or drive it for decades.
