BMW reveals pure-electric Vision iNEXT SUV
As clever as it is ugly, concept for battery-powered SUV gets next-gen autonomous driving aidsBMW has revealed its Vision iNEXT concept over the weekend, in what is being touted as a preview for a flagship pure-electric SUV that will arrive in 2021.
Claimed to inspire a range of next-generation BMW i models, the production version of the iNEXT is thought to be one of the 12 battery-powered electric vehicles the German car-maker has promised will be on sale by 2025.
Measuring in at 5-metres long and riding on huge 24-inch wheels, the pillarless concept comes with eye-catching rear-hinged doors.
Featuring a development of the BMW X7's imposing front end styling, the iNEXT is yet another BMW i model to incorporate the 'streamflow' style window line that was first introduced on the i3 and most recently shown on the i4 concept.
According to the designers, the giant interlinked blanked-out kidney grille packages all the sensors necessary for the iNEXT's level 3 autonomous driving features that, BMW claims, will be ready to be introduced in 2021.
Inside, the iNEXT's cabin is strictly a flight of fancy rather than an indication of the production car's interior, although it's thought the sweeping panoramic roof could one day be used.
Instead of looking at its design, BMW said the iNEXT's cabin debuts new smart materials in place of screens that will enhance the way we control a car's functions in the future.
These include fabrics that respond to the touch, allowing the user to pinch and swipe, thanks to a raft of sensors and micro LEDs beneath.
In place of screens the concept showcases what BMW calls Intelligent Beam, a system that projects information and entertainment onto the pages of blank books, as an alternative to tablets.
BMW has yet to detail the iNEXT's advanced powertrain but it's thought it will come with a powerful 120kWh lithium-ion battery that will provide for a range of more than 700km.
Set to be built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in north-west Munich, the iNEXT is being developed to deliver battery density ranging from 60kWh to 120kWh.
It will come with one, two or even three electric motors and some are suggesting entry-level models will offer 100kW and the flagship version an astonishing 600kW.
In line with the car-maker's architecture strategy, the iNEXT will not be based on a bespoke pure-electric car platform.
Instead, the battery-powered iNEXT will share a common platform that is likely to underpin the next 5 Series.
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