BMW
Vision Future Luxury Concept
The
BMW Vision Future Luxury furnishes a long-term outlook on the perception of
modern luxury for the BMW brand. It stands for a forward-looking fusion of
exclusivity and innovation, for a driving experience that is at once emotional
and exclusive. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior and
interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury along with its innovative
technology, a pioneering lightweight engineering concept and a seamlessly
integrated user interface and driving experience that caters optimally to the
needs of all occupants.
In
side view, perfect proportions - precise, uncluttered and elegant - convey the
exclusiveness of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. The long wheelbase, short
overhangs and low, set-back greenhouse lend the stretched silhouette a refined
dynamism. In hallmark BMW style, a finely sculpted contour line creates a taut
arc along the side of the vehicle, and the opulent surfaces underneath this
line have, as always on a BMW, been shaped by seasoned modellers. This
hand-sculpted design gives the surfaces a special emotional appeal that would
be beyond the capabilities of a computer. The effect is further enhanced by the
Liquid Platinum Bronze exterior paintwork, which generates a warm, shimmering
effect. An exclusive flourish at the side of the vehicle is the side mirror,
which appears to grow organically out of the chrome window trim. Designed as a
visual continuation of the chrome trim, its slender stalk is attached to the
mirror from below, giving it a graceful and effortless appearance, almost as if
it were hovering in mid-air.
The
exterior design perfectly showcases the advanced aerodynamics and innovative
lightweight engineering of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. The coupé-style roofline
and sloping boot lid, for example, significantly reduce drag. Underlying the
tautly sculpted exterior surfaces, equally refined solutions provide optimal
channelling of the airflow. They include the Air Breather system at the rear of
the front wheel arch, a C-pillar with internal air channelling, and openings in
the rear apron which vent air from the wheel arches. An elegant carbon strip in
the door sill area alludes discreetly to the innovative lightweight engineering
concept based on aluminium and carbon. Both these lightweight materials are
used in the vehicle in exactly the right places to achieve maximum effect -
both individually and in tandem.
This
approach is particularly tangible in the interior. Throughout, the design
expresses both form and function of the innovative technologies. For example,
the intelligent lightweight engineering concept of the BMW Vision Future Luxury
is expressed in the design principle of subtractive modelling. That is to say,
the specific geometry and functions of an individual component are created from
one and the same layered composite structure, comprising many different levels
and materials. An initial base layer of fine carbon fabric is followed by a
functional level featuring user interface components, control and display
interfaces and lighting functions, which in turn is followed by a further
structural, load-bearing layer of aluminium for additional strength. Finally,
the top layers comprise wood, then leather, to create a warm and comfortable
ambience. In a given area of the interior, the multi-layer structure is
"milled down" to the appropriate depth depending on what surface
material and what function is required. Since the interior geometry is
therefore always pared down to essentials, this cuts total weight
substantially. This treatment also makes for virtually seamless transitions and
very elegant, fluid surfaces.
In
place of a central shared information display for driver and front passenger,
the BMW Vision Future Luxury offers front passengers their own Passenger
Information Display. This display is connected to the Driver Information
Display via a touch-sensitive panel, where information can be exchanged between
driver and front passenger using swiping movements. Applications like booking
opera tickets online direct from the vehicle via the BMW ConnectedDrive Luxury
Concierge service can be displayed in the Passenger Information Display, where
they don't risk distracting the driver. The relevant functions can be
conveniently controlled by the front passenger using the iDrive Controller with
touch-sensitive interface.
In
the back, two Rear Seat Displays set into carbon surrounds, and a detachable
Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet, put the finishing touch to the integrated user
interface concept of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. These displays can
communicate with the front displays and also with the BMW ConnectedDrive
services. Everything from trip-related information like speed and journey time
to information relating to the Luxury Concierge Services can be displayed here
in simple and customised form. It is also possible to use online entertainment
content like internet-based video and music streaming as well as gaming. All
content and functions can be controlled from the rear seats using the
detachable Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet in the centre console.