The automotive industry is now entering the next level of mobility and according to BMW, it won’t be long before drivers are able to choose whether they want to drive of just let go of the wheel completely and let the car drive itself. Their future is called the BMW Vision M NEXT.
Based on the next evolution of the BMW M brand’s electrified future, the use of intelligent technologies in their up and coming models will provide ‘comprehensive yet carefully targeted assistance to turn them into the ultimate driver.’
According to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, “The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving. 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. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense.”
What is ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’? The former will be focusing on providing a worry-free journey for the driver where all passengers are provided with safety and security as the car takes over the task of driving. This is where all occupants can truly enjoy the journey whether it’s relaxing or enjoying in-car entertainment.
‘BOOST’ on the other hand is all about the ultimate driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are underpinned in equal measure by the building blocks for the BMW Group’s future, comprising the innovation areas of Autonomous driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES).
The BMW Vision M NEXT will also take the role as a progressive hybrid sports car with ‘emotion-stirring exterior design’ and drawing inspirations from the iconic BMW Turbo and ground-breaking BMW i8 plug-in hybrid by adopting a future-focused elements such as the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and striking colour scheme.
Talking about power, the Power PHEV drive system will offer an electrified all-wheel drive experience via an all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Their target is a car that produces 600hp and a limited top speed of 300km/h. 0-100km/h? Three seconds. Full electric driving range? 100km.
All in all, we’re super excited to see this concept to be brought into the real world. It’ll be a while before we will see a working prototype but knowing BMW, they might just surprise everyone sooner than expected. If the future of driving is already here, its evolution is just around the corners and the prospects are positively through the roof.
