BMW M has figured it all out when it comes to its
future development strategy: embrace electrification and autonomous driving. Is
this going to ruin the whole point of buying an M model? Not at all, because
they will still be proper driver’s cars, although with a 21st-century twist. Signaling the new direction is
the Vision M Next Concept that was unveiled a few months back and is now
enjoying center stage at BMW’s Frankfurt Motor Show stand.
Inspired by the BMW Turbo and i8, it has a very
Lamborghini Gallardo-ish design from certain angles. It also features Laser
Wire headlamps, gullwing doors, carbon fiber side skirts, alloy wheels with a
Y-spoke pattern and a very lively paint paint job, which combines Thrilling
Orange with Cast Silver metallic.
Having a physical key fob or a smartphone isn’t
required to gain access inside, as the Vision M Next boasts facial recognition
technology. The whole interior design is very minimalistic, with the driver
taking control using the spacecraft-like steering wheel and viewing the
necessary info on the transparent screen.
The Vision M Next can drive you on its own, but
should you want to enjoy the 600 PS produced by the
hybridized four-pot, you’ll have to engage the BOOST+ mode, which will take you
to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and up to a 300 km/h top speed.
If, on the other hand, you feel like showing some love towards the environment,
there is a zero-emission mode with a range of 100 km.
