BMW announced its latest all-electric, semi driverless car, called the Vision iNext, which will head for production at the BMW Plant Dingolfing in 2021. Company chief Harald Krüger says its latest concept car provides what he envisions as “building blocks for the future from which the entire company and all of its brands are set to benefit.” He believes the iNext “represents a new era of sheer driving pleasure.”
The iNext sports activity vehicle (SAV) is automated, emission-free and fully connected. The best feature is that the vehicle is capable of being self-driven or chauffeured. In the first scenario, BMW promises that the “boost” mode triggers the electric drive system to deliver a dynamic and silent driving experience on zero emissions.
In the “ease” autonomous mode, the car will take over all driving functions while the vehicle offers a space wide enough for activities. The goal behind the iNext is to provide a mode of transportation, a space for work and even a sanctuary for relaxation, interaction and entertainment.
Many car manufacturers hold the same intentions of offering hyper-futuristic fully-autonomous vehicles, but BMW’s vision of the iNext may become the leading car manufacturer, according to Forbes. The near future will begin seeing more electric vehicles emerge as several other car makers plan to incorporate similar features.
Plans for cars such as Audi, Volvo, Lexus and Mercedes’ don’t necessarily challenge BMW’s plans, however, through high technology, these companies offer a variety of car experiences. As technology continues to advance we can be sure to witness these vehicles evolving even further.
The BMW Group’s strength in the car industry competition is the marque benefits through “project i.” The electric sub-brand originally formed in 2007 and overseen the creation of the i3 and the i8 performance car, while both were in its second life-cycle. The technology within these i cars makes it even better as they are constantly feeding into the gradual electrification of the BMW and Mini range.
“BMW i exists to generate creative, pioneering ideas which transform the way we think about mobility,” says BMW Group senior vice president of design Adrian van Hooydonk. “The Vision iNext marks another next big step on that journey of transformation, showing how more intelligent vehicles can make our lives easier and more beautiful,” adds Hooydonk.
Klaus Fröhlich, a member of the BMW board of management responsible for development, says personal mobility is about to experience a major change. “The possibilities opened up by autonomous driving and ever-expanding connectivity enable a whole new range of experiences and ways of shaping a journey.”
He explains: “We have designed the all-electric iNext as a mobile environment that enhances quality of life, a new ‘favorite space’ in which we can be ourselves and relax.” Fröhlich says all products made at BMW going forward will “revolve around people and their needs and desires when it comes to mobility.”
