Autonomous electric vehicles have fast become all the rage, and BMW's planning to get in on the action with a new concept. Not only that, but it wants to put it into production. Auto Express reports that the show car, dubbed iNEXT, will be unveiled sometime next year in the form of an SUV.

The as-yet unseen concept is earmarked to yield a production version to launch in 2021, based on a new common architecture that will underpin a dozen new electric vehicles to come from the Bavarian automaker – all of them to arrive by 2025. Among the first will be the i5 sedan previewed by the Vision Dynamics concept (pictured) presented at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The platform is being designed to accommodate a wide range of electric powertrains, ranging from 134 Hp to 443 Hp, with batteries from 60 kWh to 120 kWh, and driving ranges from 280 to 435 miles. Placing electric motors at both axles could even lead up to 800 hp.


The iNEXT is expected to incorporate level-3 autonomous capabilities, allowing the vehicle to operate autonomously most of the time, and prompting the driver to take over when needed. Eventually it could lead to level-four or even five, requiring little if any driver intervention at all. The automaker is working on developing the technology necessary with the Here digital mapping operation it acquired from Nokia, and with Mobileye.