Here is the new BMW i Vision Future Interaction concept, folks. Shown at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016, BMW’s latest concept is said to be a glimpse into the brand’s “user interface of the future.”
The concept is based on a BMW i8 Concept Spyder. Interestingly, BMW has decided against having conventional doors for this model and opted for an E-Copper Orange as its primary colour, with high-gloss black and Frozen Grey highlights throughout.
Similar to the Volvo concept that was also shown at the CES show, BMW’s i Vision Future Interaction is the automaker’s answer to an anticipated demand for digital networking in the age of autonomous driving.
BMW says that, “on the one hand, it supports the driver in manual driving mode with a clearly defined focus. On the other hand, when the vehicle is in its highly automated mode, the interior provides an opportunity to relax in the innovative seats and to make proactive use of the time gained through the expanded content available on the central information display.”
While the exterior of the Future Interaction concept may appear largely like your everyday i8 – bar the missing roof and doors – the interior is where this car has been mostly redesigned. In some cases, you could argue that it is the cabin that the i8 has long deserved.
Completely reworked, three key items feature inside the Future Interaction concept – a large Head-Up Display (HUD) projected on to the windscreen, a 3D instrument cluster, and a 21-inch panorama display screen on the dashboard.
The HUD and 3D instrument cluster provide various navigational and driving data in a futuristic way, but its the 21-inch panorama display that completely changes the game. Measuring 40 cm wide and 11 cm tall, the giant screen can be operated by a new Air Touch gesture control method.
Without having to physically touch the screen and potentially leave fingerprints all over it, sensors installed in the dashboard captures your hand gestures. Waving and pushing the air is all it takes to operate the system in that mode.
BMW says that its system is not only intuitive to use, but is also responsive to prevailing driving situations. For example, at the beginning of a drive, the displays round up driving data for you, such as the battery charge status, route options and more. Once driving along, the displays automatically show a live map and several other driver assistance visuals.
With data connectivity and access to the Open Mobility Cloud from BMW, drivers will get unrestricted access to web and video content in their cars. This is for when autonomous driving is engaged and a driver can sit back and relax.
Also noteworthy is that the BMW i Vision Future Interaction concept features no physical switches or dials on the dashboard. The gear selector has moved to the steering column, similar to the BMW i3’s arrangement. The only other control is located on the new steering wheel, and is a selector for the drive mode.
Three driving modes are available – Pure, Assist and Auto. In Pure mode, the car surrenders its technological wizardly for pure BMW driving pleasure. In Assist mode, the car allows driver control, but will intervene and take over control should it detect an imminent danger.
In Auto mode, the BMW i Vision Future Interaction concept is capable of completely autonomous driving. All hands off, the vehicle takes complete control of the car, and allows a driver to sit back and relax. Given that full autonomous driving is only legal in some roads around the world, this BWM will be able to inform drivers when switching on the Auto mode is possible.
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