© BMW AG
What’s iNEXT?
With technology and consumer desires constantly in flux, it’s hard for pundits, players and laypeople alike to predict what and how humans will be driving in the future. But that hasn’t stopped German automaker BMW from releasing a bold plan for the future of mobility in a concept vehicle called Vision iNEXT. “The BMW Vision iNEXT represents a new era of sheer driving pleasure,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger. “It underlines the leading role Germany plays in the future of mobility.” The jury is still out on whether driving pleasure and vehicle autonomy can play well together, but let’s see what BMW has in mind.
© BMW AG
Future Mobility
According to BMW, iNEXT design answers the question, “How will humans be moving around in the future?” This futuristic vehicle looks to integrate four strategic fields of innovation that BMW has identified: Autonomy, Connectivity, Electric and Services.
© BMW AG
Interior Space
Inside the BMW Vision iNEXT are two bucket seats in front with a bench seat at the rear, providing space for a total of four passengers. Surfaces are covered in beige cloth and wood, and with its patterned wood floor, the interior of the Vision iNEXT is designed to feel more like a living room than a vehicle. The center console adds to this ambience — its matte wood finish gives the appearance of a coffee table that extends into the rear seating area.
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Rear Seat
The rear seat of the Vision iNEXT is more couchlike than a typical car seat, featuring handwoven Enlighted Cloudburst Jacquard cloth.
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Boost or Ease
Within the Vision iNEXT, drivers can choose Boost mode, in which they handle the driving responsibilities, or Ease mode, which would be completely autonomous. In Boost mode, the driver’s area features two large digital displays and a steering wheel. When the vehicle is switched to Ease mode, the steering wheel retracts slightly to create a more open space, and the display panels change from driving-related information to what BMW calls “Exploration Mode” — providing passengers with suggestions about dining locations or events nearby.
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Shy Tech
Many futuristic automotive designs make use of video screens throughout a vehicle, but that’s not the case with iNEXT technologies. BMW designers refer to a philosophy and function they call “Shy Tech,” which simply means the technology is kept out of sight until needed. The only display screens in the Vison iNEXT are the two in the dashboard. The idea behind Shy Tech is that intelligent projection can turn any surface into an interactive display as necessary. Voice and gesture control also would be employed throughout, while controls could be used on surfaces such as the center console or rear seat.
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Interconnectivity
The Vision iNEXT incorporates a Personal Assistant that activates on the verbal prompt, “Hey BMW.” The assistant would be able to take advantage of the interlinked digital systems of a person’s network, such as connecting smart devices, other vehicles and a home network.
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Intelligent Beam
BMW describes this unique use of media as a merging of the digital and analog worlds. For example, a projector can function as a reading light while at the same time project text, images, movies or interactive graphics that can be controlled by touch.
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Defining Mobile Space
“Personal mobility is set to experience significant change,” explained Klaus Fröhlich, board member of the Board of Management at BMW AG. “The possibilities opened up by autonomous driving and ever-expanding connectivity enable a whole new range of experiences and ways of shaping a journey. With this in mind, we have designed the all-electric BMW Vision iNEXT as a mobile environment that enhances quality of life, a new “Favorite Space” in which we can be ourselves and relax. Indeed, all of BMW’s endeavors will continue to revolve around people — and their needs and desires when it comes to mobility — in the future,” added Fröhlich.
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Exterior Styling
There are certainly elements of traditional BMW styling cues in the Vision iNEXT, but the overall look is quite a departure from typical BMW vehicles. Up front is a large double-kidney grille, but with no combustion engine that requires cooling, the grille would be used for various sensors. Headlights are very slim with lines stretching from the lights around the side of the hood. The windshield is expansive, stretching into a large panoramic roof.
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Clean Lines
The Vision iNEXT’s long wheelbase and short overhangs complement the strong wheel arches and 24-inch sculpted wheels. The sides of the vehicle are clean, thanks to small cameras that replace rearview mirrors; touch-sensitive illuminated graphics are used to open the doors, which swing out opposite each other with no center B-pillar, providing a wide opening to the spacious interior.
© BMW AG
Rear View
At the rear are narrow taillights that stretch to the middle, giving the Vision iNEXT a wide stance. A rear spoiler and diffuser enhance the car’s aerodynamics. Overall the Vision iNEXT has the size and proportions of a compact crossover, which makes optimum use of available space.
© BMW AG
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
BMW Vision iNEXT
