Embrace the unusual and the avant-garde— Here’s what’s NEXT!
The future of BMW’s M Vision is now, is striking and is found in the Vision M NEXT Concept, marking the rise of electrification and the spirit of the unusual. Taking its inspiration from the BMW i8, the Vision M NEXT Concept is a Driver-Focused Hybrid Supercar, rich in style and presence and boasting an extremely futuristic design. From color to unique touches at every angle, the Vision M NEXT Concept is a work of art all its own.
Embrace the unusual, the bold and the futuristic — read what it’s all about
The look
The BMW Vision M NEXT Concept sets itself apart from the i8 with a unique, contemporary style all its own! This style comes in the form of vibrant color blocking at both ends of the vehicle, finished in a matte neon Thrilling Orange paint job that is sure to catch the eyes of passers-by if this concept meets the road. This vibrant orange is paired perfectly with the concept’s silk-matte Cast Silver metallic paint, and wheels are also show stoppers, with a traditional silver and black two-tone finish design on the front wheels, similar to the rear sets, but with inserts of Thrilling Orange to mirror the body. The result is modern, futuristic design at its finest made clear most notably in the gull-wing doors.
This vehicle also features the iconic BMW kidney grille. Electric orange is used to highlight sections of the car where the engines and motors are placed, the front and the middle.
The power
This concept car is powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine of an unknown size that is part of a plug-in hybrid system. This engine results in a total system output of 591 horsepower with BMW standing by a zero-to-62 mph time of three seconds and a top speed of a staggering 186 mph. The driver has the choice between “pure” rear-wheel drive or “electric” all-wheel drive. There is at least one electric mounted motor at the front and a Boost + button that provides extra power whenever the need arises. In its all-electric mode, the BMW promises a range of 62 miles. Drivers are in store with the ultimate active driving experience. To say this vehicle is driver-focused is an understatement!
The rear
The rear end shape of the Vision M NEXT Concept shows the influence of the M1, complete with angular peaks at each corner. The vast portion of the rear is taken up by a massive diffuser. The vehicle also boasts the debut application of innovative Laser Wire light technology. The taillights are fantastic and sleek and are made of wafer thin glass fibers. They run horizontally outboard until they reach a trapezoidal angle that contains an illuminated BMW emblem. They almost appear to float in the glass. From the side, the M NEXT has the feel of the i8, especially with its horizontal line stemming from the rear of each side window as well as the slope of the hood.
The technology
Traditional key? No thanks! The M NEXT Concept utilizes facial recognition technology that will automatically unlock the door when the driver approaches. At that point, butterfly doors open with the simple press of a touch sensor, allowing access inside. This car is the epitome of state-of-the-art technology. For example, the information shown to the driver through the BOOST Pod changes as speed increases, with everything important moving into the driver’s direct line of sight. An active driver interface that encapsulates most of the interior, the BOOST Pod gives the driver the most in-depth experience possible. Instrument displays get smaller the faster you go.
The Inside
The interior of the Vision M NEXT Concept is centered on the BOOST Pod, which is comprised of multiple curved glass screens in front of the driver, a heads-up display, and two small screens on the groovy steering wheel. Seats in the vehicle are covered in memory foam and seem part of a single piece sculpted from the interior itself. There are several extra vents, buttons and features other than the door pockets as well as two cup holders which are connected to the bucket seats which are split by a center console.
The interior, in a nutshell, is focused solely on the driver, complete with a cut-down steering wheel and a curved three-screen translucent gauge cluster.
The experience
The M NEXT represents the future of sporty driving, and also brings forth an experience in how autonomous driving can transform life within the vehicle. BMW’s vision with this concept demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can aid in making the driving experience purer and more emotionally engaging. It’s a feeling that can’t quite be described, but just experienced only when you get behind the wheel. It’s the car of the future and the feel of the future all rolled into one.
And while only a concept, it combines inspiration, an amazing, retro design and is highlighted by colors and sections that are truly one-of-a-kind. It is a balance of high performance and electrification with BMW proudly and confidently showing what the future holds.
Distinctly recognizable, bold and futuristic, the M NEXT, a mid-engine super car, is minimalistic without being basic. It receives a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain made up of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. It is truly only a design study, however, providing a glimpse into the future of sporty driving. There is a good chance it will transition into a production model, but for now, it’s just a dream. In increasing its electrified car lineup, BMW will never leave performance behind. Unusual and avant-garde, this concept car is for those who simply love to drive. A driver’s car in all sense of the word — see what’s NEXT!
