CES 2016: BMW i Vision Future Interaction

Ultra high-resolution displays, gesture controls, voice control and virtual touch sensitive surfaces will all feature on next-generation BMW interiors, according to the new i Vision Future Interaction Concept revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) late last night.

Based on the i8 Spyder concept that was shown back in 2012, the new interior concept has had its doors chopped off to help show goers peer in and spot the three new state-of-the-art instrument panels.

The first is a head-up display that’s said to offer the firm’s next-gen technology of projected speed, speed limits and navigation on the windscreen.

Working in collaboration with a futuristic 3D display and a high-tech multi-function wheel, the concept’s starring feature must be the incredible 21-inch panoramic display that stretches across into the passenger compartment.

Aside from its sheer size, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the big screen is that it can be operated without any physical touch thanks to a host of sensors that recognise hand movements.

So accurate are the sensors that they can even measure depth. This means the new tech, called AirTouch, can allow the big screen to be operated like a touchscreen, enabling the users to ‘push’ virtual buttons.

Despite looking like it obstructs the driver’s and passenger’s vision, the new screen is actually said to be set at the same height as the current i8’s infotainment system.

BMW says the Vision Car concept’s interior was created to reflect the next-generation fully autonomous driving aids that will soon be introduced.

This means instead of worrying about driver distraction, the car-maker can focus on allowing greater communication with the outside world, with all the digital networking that entails.

Since some owners will still want to drive there BMW of the future, the interior’s features can customise to reflect this. That’s why there’s three drive modes - Pure drive (the driver drives), Assist (semi-autonomous) and Auto Mode (where the car takes offer the driving duties).

When semi- or fully autonomous driving modes are engaged the interior is said to turn into a more relaxing environment - the steering wheel moves forward, the sport seats change shape for enhanced comfort and the driver is updated on progress and relevant information like battery status. The steering wheel, meanwhile, also glows blue to indicate the car is driving for you.

When the driver is active behind the wheel, information is reduced and the amount displayed on the 21-inch screen decreased.

Unfortunately, for those hoping BMW would reveal a close-to-production version of the i8 Spyder, it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer.