The unveiling of the long-awaited BMW i electric SUV is scheduled for November 11th, and BMW enthusiasts can hardly contain their excitement. We’re all looking forward to the digital event, when the wraps will come off and BMW will reveal its flagship electric vehicle’s final design.
While we don’t have the final information yet, a series of teasers released by BMW has given some insight into what’s to come. Here’s what we know so far.
Innovative Interior Design
The BMW i is truly the future of Sports Activity Vehicles. The innovative interior design features a glass windscreen that seamlessly merges with the panoramic roof. This gives the interior a light, airy feeling that’s consistent with the vehicle’s perfect blend of nature and technology.
BMW’s teaser images show a futuristic, two-spoked polygonal steering wheel with built-in lighted optical fibers that are expected to turn on when certain features are engaged. The BMW i will also feature an “enormous” curved screen that will house the infotainment system and digital driver’s display, possibly as one cohesive unit.
Futuristic Driving Technology
There are no distracting displays in the interior of the BMW i. Instead, you’ll interact with fabric and wood surfaces to activate the vehicle’s technology. This open, uncluttered design gives you the feeling of relaxing in a comfortable lounge rather than being inside of a vehicle.
While “boost” mode brings the displays and steering wheel into a comfortable driving position, “ease” mode retracts the steering wheel, creating an open space for the driver to sit back and relax. With the touch of a button or a spoken command, drivers can activate the BMW Personal CoPilot, Intelligent Personal Assistant, and other advanced driving features.
This vehicle has been dubbed BMW’s “technology flagship,” so there’s a good chance that the iNext will include an array of additional high-tech features.
Elegant Exterior
The BMW i is expected to have the general size and proportions of a traditional SUV, but will take things to a whole new level with sophisticated details. The Liquid Greyrose Copper exterior paint, for example, gradually changes color from warm copper to dark rose when parked in the shade.
“Spy shots” of the vehicle have revealed some anticipated exterior design features, including the controversial double-kidney grill. The rear of the vehicle is expected to carry an elegant look, with elongated, sweeping tail lights that extend from the rear quarter up into the back hatch.
Seamless Integration
As the world continues to become more integrated, the iNext is poised not only to keep up but to lead the way. It’s designed to completely integrate with smart devices, smart homes, and the BMW Connected network. Love the idea of closing your windows in your home with a voice command while you’re on the road — that’s just the beginning of this new vehicle’s expected capabilities.
Electric DriveTrain
The electric drive train will make the iNext a virtually silent, emission-free driving machine. Although the tech specifications haven’t yet been revealed, experts expect multiple offerings in the way of battery packs and electric motor configurations.
We’ll have more details, including the possibility of a name change, following the November 11th release. The production of the BMW i is slated to begin at BMW’s Dinggolfing plant in 2021.