BMW Group unveils its future

BMW has celebrated its 100th Anniversary overnight.

Although the company did not build its first motorcycle until 1923, nor car until 1928, the 1916 foundation of the aero engine company that eventually begot BMW as we know it, was the catalyst for the year-long celebration.

Although both Rolls Royce and MINI are also expected to unveil concepts to mark the occasion, BMW’s VISION NEXT 100 is the headline piece so far.

Unveiled overnight BMW VISION NEXT 100 is the company’s mobility vision for the future.

The autonomous concept vehicle combines “coupé-type sportiness with the dynamic elegance of a sedan,” says BMW.

“But rather than just being a being an anonymous transport machine, it is a highly customised vehicle that is perfectly tailored to suit the driver’s changing needs,” says the company.

BMW VISION NEXT 100 was introduced by Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, Harald Kruger. Kruger stated three qualities that set the BMW Group apart: “The capacity to learn and adapt, technological innovation, and a sense of responsibility toward society”.

“We have demonstrated on many occasions throughout our history that we are capable of learning fast and taking bold steps,” Kruger said.

Against this background, the BMW 100th anniversary will “focus primarily on what lies ahead and explore how individual mobility might develop over the coming decades”.

“Future mobility will connect every area of people’s lives. And that’s where we see new opportunities for premium mobility,” Kruger said at Monday night’s event.

Accordingly, BMW VISION NEXT 100 allows a “choice of driver-controlled or vehicle-controlled operations”. Labelled Alive Geometry, the vehicle features Boost and Ease modes.

In Boost, says BMW, “the entire vehicle focuses on the driver, offering the support needed to maximise the driving experience – for instance by indicating the ideal driving line, steering point and speed”.

Ease mode turns the car into an autonomous lounge, where “the steering wheel and centre console retract; the headrests turn to the side, and the seats and door trim merge to form a single unit so that the driver and front-seat passenger can turn towards each other.”

BMW says the VISION NEXT 100 will go on “a symbolic World Tour entitled Iconic Impulses”.

After an Asian premiere in Beijing, the concept car will travel to London, where the MINI and Rolls-Royce’s concepts will be debuted.

In Los Angeles, the final stop on the tour, BMW Motorrad (motorycles) will add its own concept to the trio.

BMW Australia is also expected to announce 100th Anniversary events. It’s new GT3 racecar will wear #100 when it races in support events in the upcoming Australia F1 Grand Prix.

More on BMW’s centenary soon…