“At home in the driver’s seat” has never carried this much meaning….
The future of mobility is innovative and inventive and is here and now, all thanks to BMW. Their vision to this end, the BMW iNEXT, is not only future focused, but it is a vehicle that will undoubtedly become any driver’s most desired space. In contrast with conventional automotive design, the iNEXT is unlike anything you have seen. It is a combination of futuristic technologies in a modern living space and is a true symbol of things to come. It is also representative of a new age and era. It is a true break through from the familiar and offers the look and feel of what is to come. It is a new interpretation of car making, aiming at the human — the driver — YOU!
What is iNEXT?
The BMW Vision iNEXT is fully electric, fully connected and offers highly autonomous driving. Set to be the company’s new technology flagship, the uber intelligent iNEXT is slated to be built in 2021. It will be an integration of BMW’s strategic areas of innovation to be brought forth onto the open road. The iNEXT will present an array of impressive technology brought forth in a matrix of sensors and fiber optics that will expertly respond to touch, handwriting or anything BMW thinks drivers will want to trace onto a seat.
Its interior….
Impressive to say the very least, the interior of the iNEXT is a true showstopper! It features bucket seats with headrests that bend backward, illuminated crystal in the center console, a steering wheel and pedals that collapse when the BMW roundel is pressed, and the list goes on! The interior is truly a place of relaxation, interaction and entertainment as well as concentration, with a cabin furnished as more of a “living space,” than the typical interior of a car. Complete with a generously designed cockpit, the driver’s area is flanked by two visible digital display panels and the steering wheel. A panoramic roof makes for a spacious and inviting feel for the interior. It is a lounge-like atmosphere — but on the road!
Its exterior….
Authoritative and strong in its appearance and resembling a compact crossover, the iNEXT conveys its character with clearly sculpted forms and surfaces, including striking paintwork and sophisticated details. Modern elegance at its finest, an exterior of Liquid Greyrose Copper changes in shade from war copper to dark rose, allowing for a dynamic appearance even when stationary. Flanked with a large, interlinked double-kidney grille, the iconic side window graphic and the blue accent surfaces at the front, sides and rear speak to BMW’s I styling presented in 2017 on the iVision Dynamics.
The iVision beautifully illuminates in blue accents when the vehicle is unlocked. Rounding out the design are large 24-inch wheels and glass surfaces including large windows and lights which are integrated seamlessly into the overall design and have the look of detailed, elaborate inlays.
Out of sight…
Much of the iNEXT’s technology is out of sight — literally, and that was done purposefully. The intelligent technology is integrated out of sight and only when it is required by the driver or passengers does it become visible. This is done in an effort to preserve the comfort and character of the interior and to keep the focus where it matters most — on the people within. As a result of this placement, technology deliberately fades in the background. In fact, apart from the steering wheel and displays in the driver’s area, there are no other screens or controls visible in the iNEXT.
Autonomous driving made clear….
With the shift toward autonomous driving in the coming years, the BMW Vision iNEXT gives options that allow drivers to have complete control when behind the wheel. With two different modes, “Ease” and “Boost,” those choices are brought forth. Whether or not they want to drive or “be driven” is purely up to the driver. In “Boost” mode, the cockpit and steering wheel are clearly positioned for the driver’s ultimate convenience. When transitioning to “Ease” by voice command or by touching the BMW logo on the steering wheel, the wheel moves back to provide more room and the pedals sink in to create a flat surface on the floor. At this point, the driver and front passenger can then turn to face the other passengers in the back. Then there is the performance. It is impressive with the capability of 373 miles of range, reaching 60 mph in less than four seconds. Be clear that this is not replacing driving altogether, but instead representing a new era of sheer driving pleasure.
Your own personal assistant…..
Controlled by voice command, the Intelligent Personal Assistant knows all of the vehicle’s capabilities and provides interactive advice. Over time, it adapts to the driver’s behavior and patterns. This feature is seamlessly interlinked with BMW’s digital ecosystem, making it possible for drivers to conveniently control their smart home systems.
The intelligence does not stop there! Thanks to Shy-Tech, unexpected surfaces instantly can transform into extraordinary user interfaces. An example of this is the Jacquard cloth in the rear that comes to life at the touch of a finger and allows music playback to be controlled just by the use of various gestures. These gestures are given visual emphasis by LEDs that illuminate underneath the cloth.
Also controlled by a simple touch is Intelligent Beam, a ground-breaking reinvention of the modern screen that creates interactive projected surfaces within the interior. The intelligent light recognizes objects and follows them.
Looking back/ahead….
iNEXT builds upon an idea that first took root in 2007 with “project I” and evolved into the premiere in 2013 of the BMW i3. On this front, BMW is already a leader, boasting 10 years of experience with electric mobility in both small- and large-scale production. BMW continues to improve upon its models with top technology in a coming age. The next step? A complete in-car integration of the strategic innovation fields Autonomy+Connectivity+Electric+Services. BMW has always bee considered the Ultimate Driving Machine and this title speaks crystal clear to this concept. Not only does BMW imagine what future mobility will bring, but they do what is required — and then some!
With this concept, drivers are released from the stress of daily life and are submerged in a space which becomes a place of perfect relaxation. The road becomes their favorite destination more than ever before. With materials that are modern yet a mix of the old world, a beautiful feel, rooted in emotion, is brought forth. Born from multiple visions, the BMW Vision iNEXT concept is what “at home in the driver’s seat” is all about!
