BMW Vision iNext Concept To Enter Production In 2021

BMW just presented its latest all-electric, semi-autonomous crossover concept called the Vision iNext Concept.

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at the BMW Group said, “The iNext project will provide our building blocks for the future, from which the entire company and all of its brands are set to benefit. It represents a new era of sheer driving pleasure.”

Boasting the size and proportions of a modern BMW SAV, the Vision iNext’s key exterior features include the Liquid Greyrose Copper paint, large, interlinked double-kidney grille, the iconic side window graphic, illuminated blue accents, integrated glass surfaces, super-slim headlights, a large panoramic roof, 24-inch wheels, touch-sensitive graphic door openers, opposing doors with no B-pillars, and an illuminated rear diffuser.

Inside, drivers can choose to either drive (in “Boost” mode) or be driven (“Ease” mode). While “Boost” mode uses an electric drive system, the “Ease” mode offers the driver and passengers a space in which to engage in a wide range of activities while the vehicle drives itself autonomously.

According to BMW, the cabin is akin to a comfortable and fashionably furnished “living space” on wheels.

Apart from the steering wheel and displays in the driver’s area, there are no other screens or controls to be seen in the BMW Vision iNext.

When driving in “Boost” mood the control display can be operated in conventional style using its touch functionality. But in “Ease” mode, the centre console’s wooden surface assumes this control function instead. Whenever any inputs are made, points of light resembling a comet’s tail will follow the finger.

The concept also comes with an Intelligent Personal Assistant which switches on in response to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The “assistant”, which is interlinked with the BMW Connected infotainment system, smart devices, and smart home networks, enables drivers to perform a multitude of tasks, even like closing the windows of their house, all by voice command.

That being said, BMW said that the series-produced version of the BMW iNext will assume the role of a new technology flagship, with production at the Dingolfing plant slated to begin in 2021.