BMW’s flagship electric SUV, the iNext, will launch
in 2021, yet the automaker has just teased one very important feature: its
huge, curved display. Oriented towards the driver, it blends the infotainment system and
digital gauges into one large screen. Inspired from modern consumer electronics
technology, it’s customizable and features touch control and non-reflective
glass.
It will be the dominating feature of the cabin, and
since it’s “virtually freely suspended on the instrument panel”, as BMW
explains, it leaves the impression of a floating design. According to previous information
released by BMW, the iNext will have a range of more than 600 km and will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in around 4 seconds.
Furthermore, the electric SUV will feature Level 3
autonomous driving, which means it will be able to control the steering, brakes
and acceleration on its own, although the driver must be ready at all times to
intervene if necessary.
In a couple of years, the iNext will become the test
bed for BMW’s Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous driving technologies. Level 4
doesn’t require any human assistance whatsoever, but it can be driven on
request, whereas Level 5 allows the car to operate in all possible conditions
and lacks the usual steering wheel, pedals and other controls.
