- Production version expected to arrive by 2021 to rival the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi e-tron.
- The iNEXT will be BMW’s electric division of the future which will also integrate autonomous technology.
Right ahead of the official unveil of the Audi e-tron, BMW has revealed the Vision iNext Concept which will be the Bavarian carmaker’s take on the budding electric crossover segment. The concept previews the flagship electric SUV with BMW’s most advanced autonomous systems and its production version is promised to roll out in 2021.
The Vision iNext Concept is of the same size as the new-gen X5 and has all the design features of modern-day BMW concept. So the new iteration of the iconic kidney grille is similar to the one seen on the i Vision Dynamics concept and the X7 iPerformance concept. There is a “Liquid Greyrose Copper” finish around the car which changes shades from warm copper to dark rose, says the carmaker.
The unique window design sans the B-pillar and squared off-wheel arches are seen in the profile. Apart from that, the lights – both fore and aft – are similar to the i Vision Dynamics Concept as well. There are faux diffusers seen at the rear. Other highlights are a panoramic glass roof, floating D-pillar, futuristic 24-inch wheels, cameras for mirrors, suicidal doors and blue hues all around.
The cabin is ultra-futuristic keeping in mind that this is an autonomous concept. However, BMW believes their ‘driver’s car’ will always have a steering wheel, so the one seen here is squared-off steering wheel sitting ahead of the tablet-like instrument cluster. The dashboard has a floating widescreen in the minimalistic cabin. The four-seater also has high quality and exotic materials on the inside some of which are 3D printed. Although details are scarce, BMW says that the iNext comes laden with their fully functional autonomous tech available at the moment.
There are no powertrain figures available at the moment for the concept, but we know that the production model will make use of BMW’s fifth-generation electric powertrain. The same electric powertrain will be shared with iX3 that is due in 2020. An electric range of 380kilometres is also expected.
The production-spec iNext will be the first of 25 electrified vehicles in the pipeline for 2025 from BMW, 12 of which will be pure electric. The iNext will be the new member of the niche electric crossover segment which currently has the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace, apart from the recently revealed Audi E-Tron Quattro and Mercedes-Benz EQC.
