BMW Vision iNext, electrification of fusion, automation and new user experience

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Over the past week, BMW has privately presented a concept version of the next official electric sub-brand i vehicle, traveling it around the world in a specially equipped Boeing 777 freighter. A production version of Vision iNext is expected to be launched in 2021, broadening the scope of electrification to automated driving and the entire user experience.

Since its creation in 2007, project i has been designed to create vehicles designed to solve the most pressing transportation problems of the 21st century. The first effort of the project was the Mini E pilot project, designed to help the team better understand how people use electric vehicles, especially in urban areas. The ActiveE suite and the megacity concept have paved the way for i3 production.

In the years following the launch of the i3, the market has shifted from traditional cars to utilities and automated driving technology has evolved rapidly and this is reflected in iNext. Unlike the i Vision Dynamic concept of last year, with its four-door coupe, the iNext has adopted a cross-shaped form factor (or in BMW's jargon, sports activity vehicle). This is a much larger vehicle than the i3, similar to the X5, although BMW has not yet released official specifications.

From a design point of view, iNext continues the themes that debuted on the 2017 concept, including the front. BMW's traditional double-kidney grille has mutated with the two elements now united in a unique shape that vaguely resembles an infinite symbol. As we have seen in other recent BMW utilities, the front fascia is becoming larger and vertical, the shape of the grille stretching to fill the full height. Behind the pattern printed on the now solid surface are some of the sensors that will enable automated driving capabilities.

The new lighthouses, although thinner than anything on current products, also retain the traditional BMW signature.

The overall shape preserves the fragmentation of the 2017 with a form of sculpture different from that to which we are accustomed on recent production models. The exaggerated wheel arches extend from the main body which has relatively smooth surfaces but crisp folds.

The appearance of the floating roof of the i3 is retained but the iNext also gets the notches in the side window where the doors split, which appeared on the previous concept. In concept car mode, the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no B pillar. The i3 uses a similar approach for access to the rear seats although its rear gates are more half-doors like the original Mini Clubman. It is unlikely that this gate configuration will go to the 2021 production model.

Like many concepts, this one is devoid of many details of traditional cars like doorknobs. Surfaces sensitive to the touch rather allow access to the interior. Other touch controls are offered here, especially on the back seat, where the interfaces are integrated directly into the Jacquard fabric, illuminating on contact with the finger. The back seat is a wide and welcoming bench with individual front seats.

The cockpit echoes the minimalist and natural theme of i3, but moves to a whole new level. Two much larger screens are mounted on what is left of the dashboard, only the steering wheel remaining as visible physical control. In a concept that BMW describes as "shy tech", most of the interface is projected onto surfaces only as needed. Voice commands are also an integral part of the interface with an integrated digital assistant that can be called by a Hey BMW command.

Even the steering wheel is not always prominent. The iNext has two driving modes, Boost and Ease. In Boost, the driver has control, at least to the extent that it can be in a modern vehicle like this. However, when the Ease function is activated, the steering wheel retracts away from the person and the display changes to what BMW describes as a mode of exploration. At this point, iNext takes over.

BMW is timid on specific functionality at this point although this seems to correspond to what could be described as a level 3 or 4 feature. According to BMW, the degree of automation will depend on the operation of the vehicle and the regulations in force at the moment. When permitted, the system will likely provide a complete L4 capability for transfer, observation and reflection, with new human control. If the system encounters a situation that it can not handle, the vehicle will reach a minimum of risk. If this is not allowed, the L3 capability that may sometimes require the man to be supported will be used.

In the short or medium term, and perhaps forever, it is likely that only high-end vehicles offer high-level automation that customers can actually buy. These systems will require regular software updates for functionality and security, and their cost will be built into the purchase price or require a customer subscription. Most commuters will reach this level of automation only through automated mobility services that will be offered by groups like Waymo and GM Cruise.

What about electrification? After all, it was this project that I was at the very beginning. Although the i3 was among the first volume production BEVs coming from a German automaker, BMW has not yet added a second and iNext will only be available in 2021 Leading competitors launch BEVs now and until in 2019. While the i3 has enjoyed modest success, BMW has found that the demand for a fully electric vehicle was limited until now and has focused on electrifying its conventional range. All of its volume models are now available with plug-in hybrid powertrains.

In 2019, a new Mini E production will arrive followed by an electric X3 in 2020. By 2025, BMW plans to have 25 electrified models including 12 battery electric vehicles. The details on the iNext are not available, but it is likely that it carries a battery in the range 90-100 kWh, like the other high-end BEV. The range will probably be about 300 miles.

BMW has generally been successful in marketing its designs and the iNext 2021 will probably look like this. Thanks to its partnership with Intel and Mobileye, automation will probably do so as long as regulations allow. Electric propulsion is rapidly becoming a commodity. The big unknown is the share of the new user experience in iNext that will become the automotive category? With the iDrive and gesture controls, BMW has shown that it is not shy either with technology, so maybe we'll have something very similar.

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Over the past week, BMW has privately presented a concept version of the next official electric sub-brand i vehicle, traveling it around the world in a specially equipped Boeing 777 freighter. A production version of Vision iNext is expected to be launched in 2021, broadening the scope of electrification to automated driving and the entire user experience.

Since its creation in 2007, project i has been designed to create vehicles designed to solve the most pressing transportation problems of the 21st century. The first effort of the project was the Mini E pilot project, designed to help the team better understand how people use electric vehicles, especially in urban areas. The ActiveE suite and the megacity concept have paved the way for i3 production.

In the years following the launch of the i3, the market has shifted from traditional cars to utilities and automated driving technology has evolved rapidly and this is reflected in iNext. Unlike the i Vision Dynamic concept of last year, with its four-door coupe, the iNext has adopted a cross-shaped form factor (or in BMW's jargon, sports activity vehicle). This is a much larger vehicle than the i3, similar to the X5, although BMW has not yet released official specifications.

From a design point of view, iNext continues the themes that debuted on the 2017 concept, including the front. BMW's traditional double-kidney grille has mutated with the two elements now united in a unique shape that vaguely resembles an infinite symbol. As we have seen in other recent BMW utilities, the front fascia is becoming larger and vertical, the shape of the grille stretching to fill the full height. Behind the pattern printed on the now solid surface are some of the sensors that will enable automated driving capabilities.

The new lighthouses, although thinner than anything on current products, also retain the traditional BMW signature.

The overall shape preserves the fragmentation of the 2017 with a form of sculpture different from that to which we are accustomed on recent production models. The exaggerated wheel arches extend from the main body which has relatively smooth surfaces but crisp folds.

The appearance of the floating roof of the i3 is retained but the iNext also gets the notches in the side window where the doors split, which appeared on the previous concept. In concept car mode, the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no B pillar. The i3 uses a similar approach for access to the rear seats although its rear gates are more half-doors like the original Mini Clubman. It is unlikely that this gate configuration will go to the 2021 production model.

Like many concepts, this one is devoid of many details of traditional cars like doorknobs. Surfaces sensitive to the touch rather allow access to the interior. Other touch controls are offered here, especially on the back seat, where the interfaces are integrated directly into the Jacquard fabric, illuminating on contact with the finger. The back seat is a wide and welcoming bench with individual front seats.

The cockpit echoes the minimalist and natural theme of i3, but moves to a whole new level. Two much larger screens are mounted on what is left of the dashboard, only the steering wheel remaining as visible physical control. In a concept that BMW describes as "shy tech", most of the interface is projected onto surfaces only as needed. Voice commands are also an integral part of the interface with an integrated digital assistant that can be called by a Hey BMW command.

Even the steering wheel is not always prominent. The iNext has two driving modes, Boost and Ease. In Boost, the driver has control, at least to the extent that it can be in a modern vehicle like this. However, when the Ease function is activated, the steering wheel retracts away from the person and the display changes to what BMW describes as a mode of exploration. At this point, iNext takes over.

BMW is timid on specific functionality at this point although this seems to correspond to what could be described as a level 3 or 4 feature. According to BMW, the degree of automation will depend on the operation of the vehicle and the regulations in force at the moment. When permitted, the system will likely provide a complete L4 capability for transfer, observation and reflection, with new human control. If the system encounters a situation that it can not handle, the vehicle will reach a minimum of risk. If this is not allowed, the L3 capability that may sometimes require the man to be supported will be used.

In the short or medium term, and perhaps forever, it is likely that only high-end vehicles offer high-level automation that customers can actually buy. These systems will require regular software updates for functionality and security, and their cost will be built into the purchase price or require a customer subscription. Most commuters will reach this level of automation only through automated mobility services that will be offered by groups like Waymo and GM Cruise.

What about electrification? After all, it was this project that I was at the very beginning. Although the i3 was among the first volume production BEVs coming from a German automaker, BMW has not yet added a second and iNext will only be available in 2021 Leading competitors launch BEVs now and until in 2019. While the i3 has enjoyed modest success, BMW has found that the demand for a fully electric vehicle was limited until now and has focused on electrifying its conventional range. All of its volume models are now available with plug-in hybrid powertrains.

In 2019, a new Mini E production will arrive followed by an electric X3 in 2020. By 2025, BMW plans to have 25 electrified models including 12 battery electric vehicles. The details on the iNext are not available, but it is likely that it carries a battery in the range 90-100 kWh, like the other high-end BEV. The range will probably be about 300 miles.

BMW has generally been successful in marketing its designs and the iNext 2021 will probably look like this. Thanks to its partnership with Intel and Mobileye, automation will probably do so as long as regulations allow. Electric propulsion is rapidly becoming a commodity. The big unknown is the share of the new user experience in iNext that will become the automotive category? With the iDrive and gesture controls, BMW has shown that it is not shy about technology, so maybe we'll have something very similar.