Photo: BMW
Rumors about BMW revealing a 9 Series car at the Beijing Auto Show have been going around for the last week and rightfully so. Whoever saw the concept they just unveiled on the way to the Chinese show, surely must’ve thought that was it.
However, the Germans surprised and introduced the so-called ‘Vision Future Luxury’ Concept instead, which we think it is a preview of the 7 Series range. If that turns out to be true, we’re in for a treat when the G11 platform launches.
The new concept seems to be inspired by last year’s collaboration with Pininfarina and, consequently, the Gran Lusso Coupe concept that blew everyone’s mind when it was launched.
On the outside, the short overhangs, traditional kidney grilles and revised headlamps together with the even present Hoffmeister kink at the back make this car an instant BMW. Laser headlights and organic taillights are just the icing on the cake, looking at the overall result.
And luxurious it is, without forgetting to be eco friendly. Inside, the work was focused on creating a new interior that was also extremely lightweight. That’s where the principle of subtractive modelling worked its magic as the specific geometry and functions of an individual component are created from one and the same layered structure. In other words, the aim was to create an interior that a high level of functionality provided by as little items as possible.
The instrument cluster as we know it is gone, being replaced by 3 displays that provide all the important information the driver needs. To his left there’s a screen showing vehicle-related information while in the center, a programmable cluster displays the speed, rev counter and other information as an old fashion unit would. To the right, the third display shows infotainment information.
There’s also a fourth display fitted right in front of the passenger, allowing it to perform other functions without distracting the driver, using the on-board SIM card an internet provided. The results of the inquiries performed by the ‘co-pilot’ can then be swiped on the driver’s displays if necessary.
The head-up display will also be changed, now projecting the information directly into the driver’s line of sight, onto buildings or the road. Various items can be highlighted, like road signs and addresses.
In the back, the passengers also have 2 displays in front of them and each has its own personal space. A tablet is positioned in between the two that works with the other two displays in the back and the infotainment system altogether.
The coach style doors reveal the lightweight construction of the whole thing, showing you the CFRP material that was used to make the chassis of the car. Furthermore, the B-pillar was partially removed, the structural resistance being held up by CFRP pillars in between the seats that go from one end of the car to another.
“Innovative technology and modern luxury have always been an important part of BMW’s brand DNA,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “We use visionary concept vehicles like the BMW Vision Future Luxury to show where we may be going with these themes in the future, and to give us new inspiration and motivation. The BMW Vision Future Luxury – with its innovative technologies and with meticulous precision and quality in every detail – takes our thinking on modern luxury a logical stage further.”
“The design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury is the messenger of our philosophy of modern luxury, one in which innovative technologies play a key and vital role. These innovations deliver a new, multifaceted luxury experience that spans intelligent lightweight engineering, innovative interior design and a radically new user interface design,” says Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design, summing up the design approach to the BMW Vision Future Luxury.
Since this will most likely be the upcoming 7 Series, the technology you see here can be expected to drip down to other models in the future, starting with the X7 and the 5 Series.
The new concept seems to be inspired by last year’s collaboration with Pininfarina and, consequently, the Gran Lusso Coupe concept that blew everyone’s mind when it was launched.
On the outside, the short overhangs, traditional kidney grilles and revised headlamps together with the even present Hoffmeister kink at the back make this car an instant BMW. Laser headlights and organic taillights are just the icing on the cake, looking at the overall result.
And luxurious it is, without forgetting to be eco friendly. Inside, the work was focused on creating a new interior that was also extremely lightweight. That’s where the principle of subtractive modelling worked its magic as the specific geometry and functions of an individual component are created from one and the same layered structure. In other words, the aim was to create an interior that a high level of functionality provided by as little items as possible.
The instrument cluster as we know it is gone, being replaced by 3 displays that provide all the important information the driver needs. To his left there’s a screen showing vehicle-related information while in the center, a programmable cluster displays the speed, rev counter and other information as an old fashion unit would. To the right, the third display shows infotainment information.
There’s also a fourth display fitted right in front of the passenger, allowing it to perform other functions without distracting the driver, using the on-board SIM card an internet provided. The results of the inquiries performed by the ‘co-pilot’ can then be swiped on the driver’s displays if necessary.
The head-up display will also be changed, now projecting the information directly into the driver’s line of sight, onto buildings or the road. Various items can be highlighted, like road signs and addresses.
In the back, the passengers also have 2 displays in front of them and each has its own personal space. A tablet is positioned in between the two that works with the other two displays in the back and the infotainment system altogether.
The coach style doors reveal the lightweight construction of the whole thing, showing you the CFRP material that was used to make the chassis of the car. Furthermore, the B-pillar was partially removed, the structural resistance being held up by CFRP pillars in between the seats that go from one end of the car to another.
“Innovative technology and modern luxury have always been an important part of BMW’s brand DNA,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “We use visionary concept vehicles like the BMW Vision Future Luxury to show where we may be going with these themes in the future, and to give us new inspiration and motivation. The BMW Vision Future Luxury – with its innovative technologies and with meticulous precision and quality in every detail – takes our thinking on modern luxury a logical stage further.”
“The design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury is the messenger of our philosophy of modern luxury, one in which innovative technologies play a key and vital role. These innovations deliver a new, multifaceted luxury experience that spans intelligent lightweight engineering, innovative interior design and a radically new user interface design,” says Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design, summing up the design approach to the BMW Vision Future Luxury.
Since this will most likely be the upcoming 7 Series, the technology you see here can be expected to drip down to other models in the future, starting with the X7 and the 5 Series.
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