BMW Vision M NEXT: The Driver’s Car of the Future
For people who like to drive and want no part of autonomous vehicles, BMW today hosted the world premiere of the Vision M Next concept at its #NEXTGen mobility event in Germany.
This comes less than a year after the Vision iNEXT, a concept that previews future connected and self-driving cars from BMW.
- Also: BMW Vision iNEXT Concept: Autonomous, Connected and Electrified
- Also: BMW Vision iNEXT Concept: A Holistic Approach to the Car of the Future
Essentially, what we have here is the M division’s take on electrified vehicles, which will continue to put the focus squarely on an active and stimulating driving experience. All the sophisticated technologies and electronics on-board are there to provide “carefully targeted assistance,” or so claims the manufacturer.
“Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.
The exterior design of the BMW Vision M NEXT borrows styling cues from both classic and contemporary BMW sports cars, like the latest i8. It features a low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and a striking colour scheme of Cast Silver and Thrilling Orange. The 21-inch front and 22-inch wheels sport an intricate, three-dimensional design, while the sleek headlights and taillights use lasers.
The cockpit is even more futuristic—once you get past the facial recognition technology that automatically unlocks the doors as you approach the car. The ultra-minimalist layout revolves entirely around the driver (which contrasts with the Vision iNEXT concept). Just look at the way the door panels and dashboard blend together. The seats are upholstered in a foam material with shape memory properties that moulds itself to the body so that the driver can become one with the car.
Also, every control, setting and vehicle function goes through what’s called the BOOST Pod, a combination of augmented-reality head-up display, curved glass display and uniquely shaped steering wheel. Interestingly, as the vehicle speeds up, the information centres increasingly on driving-related data and moves into the driver’s eye-line.
In terms of performance, the plug-in hybrid drive system of the BMW Vision M NEXT offers the choice between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The combined 600 horsepower produce a top speed of 300 km/h and a sprint from 0-100 km/h in just three seconds.
Incidentally, there is also a BOOST+ mode that puts extra power on tap at the push of a button. The maximum range when driving in all-electric mode is 100 km–more than enough for most daily commutes.
In related news, BMW announced at #NEXTGen that its future plug-in hybrid models will be available with a system called eDrive Zones that detects EV-only areas and automatically switches to purely electric mode.
Also, the automaker will launch BMW Points, a digital service that rewards PHEV customers for making the most out of their electric drive. Kilometres covered using electric power are rewarded with points, and so is high-voltage battery charging. Users will be able to redeem those points for a variety of products or even free charging.