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BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept

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BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept
Modern luxury driven by design and innovation.

Body/Exterior Highlights

• Lightweight design concept
• Wide-opening coach doors
• Pared down carbon B-pillars
• Carbon air deflectors
• Carbon strip in the door sill area
• Air Breather system at the rear of the front wheel arch
• C-pillar with internal air channeling
• Openings in the rear apron which vent air from the wheel arches
• BMW Laserlight headlights [see recent Laserlight feature]
• OLED tail lights [see recent to OLED feature]
• Liquid Platinum Bronze exterior paint

Interior/Interface Highlights

• Innovative interior design
• Radical new user interface design
• 3D display technology
• Contact-analogue BMW Vision Head Up Display projects info directly in driver's line of sight onto the road and environment
• Separate Passenger Information Display (interacts with Driver Information Display)
• Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet (detachable and communicates with front displays)

VIDEOS:

BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept Debut at 2014 Beijing Auto Show

Beijing/Munich – April 19, 2014. . . The BMW Vision Future Luxury furnishes a long-term outlook on the perception of modern luxury for the BMW brand. It stands for a forward-looking fusion of exclusivity and innovation, for a driving experience that is at once emotional and exclusive. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior and interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury along with its innovative technology, a pioneering lightweight engineering concept and a seamlessly integrated user interface and driving experience that caters optimally to the needs of all occupants. The BMW Vision Future Luxury makes its world debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

“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.”

Heralding a new approach – the design.
“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.

This approach is particularly tangible in the interior. Throughout, the design expresses both form and function of the innovative technologies. For example, the intelligent lightweight engineering concept of the BMW Vision Future Luxury is expressed in the design principle of subtractive modeling. That is to say, the specific geometry and functions of an individual component are created from one and the same layered composite structure, comprising many different levels and materials. An initial base layer of fine carbon fabric is followed by a functional level featuring user interface components, control and display interfaces and lighting functions, which in turn is followed by a further structural, load-bearing layer of aluminum for additional strength. Finally, the top layers comprise wood, then leather, to create a warm and comfortable ambience. In a given area of the interior, the multi-layer structure is “milled down” to the appropriate depth depending on what surface material and what function is required. Since the interior geometry is therefore always pared down to essentials, this cuts total weight substantially. This treatment also makes for virtually seamless transitions and very elegant, fluid surfaces.

The unrivalled characteristics of carbon as a material – both individually and in combination with its surrounding materials – are optimally utilized in this rigorous lightweight design concept. The carbon underlying layer is visible in the doors, under the seats and especially in the innovative, pared-down B-pillar. A full B-pillar as used in the past is dispensed with. The carbon construction allows the seat frames to be integrated into the load-bearing structure. There are also connections to the door sills and centre console, which means only a very small and unobtrusive B-pillar is required. The BMW Vision Future Luxury’s wide- opening coach doors would not have been possible without this new carbon B-pillar solution.

New-style user interface design and exclusive BMW ConnectedDrive services.
In the driver’s and front passenger’s area, precisely defined lines and surfaces create a sense of exclusive dynamism. The design of the instrument panel closely complements the design of the displays themselves. The driver is surrounded by a wrap-around cluster of three intermeshing displays, creating the typical BMW driver-centric cockpit. The three- dimensional display technology means that at the visual level the instrument panel styling appears to carry over into the displays themselves. In other words, to the eye the interior space seems to continue into the solid structures of the instrument panel, generating an impression of unprecedented depth and spaciousness.

The left-hand display mainly presents vehicle-related information, while in the centre a programmable cluster displays speedometer, rev counter and other information, as well as context-adaptive supplementary data, which is displayed as and when relevant. Meanwhile, the right-hand display – the Driver Information Display – provides additional infotainment information. The driver also has the option of controlling all these functions by voice command.

BMW Vision Head Up Display.
The primary driver display, however, is the “contact-analogue” BMW Vision Head Up Display. This display augments the driver’s view of the real world by projecting information directly in the driver’s line of sight onto the road. Buildings, traffic signs or hazards can be highlighted directly in the real-world environment, selectively directing the driver’s attention to specific information which is particularly important at any given time. This technology gives a new dimension to driver assistance functions such as Speed Limit Info, where road signs can be identified and highlighted in the driver’s field of view, or the Traffic Light Assistant, which provides real-time information about traffic light phasing.

In place of a central shared information display for driver and front passenger, the BMW Vision Future Luxury offers front passengers their own Passenger Information Display. This display is connected to the Driver Information Display via a touch-sensitive panel, where information can be exchanged between driver and front passenger using swiping movements. Applications like booking opera tickets online direct from the vehicle via the BMW ConnectedDrive Luxury Concierge service can be displayed in the Passenger Information Display, where they don’t risk distracting the driver. The relevant functions can be conveniently controlled by the front passenger using the iDrive Controller with touch- sensitive interface.

Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet.
In the back, two Rear Seat Displays set into carbon surrounds, and a detachable Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet, put the finishing touch to the integrated user interface concept of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. These displays can communicate with the front displays and also with the BMW ConnectedDrive services. Everything from trip-related information like speed and journey time to information relating to the Luxury Concierge Services can be displayed here in simple and customized form. It is also possible to use online entertainment content like internet-based video and music streaming as well as gaming. All content and functions can be controlled from the rear seats using the detachable Rear Seat Touch Command Tablet in the centre console.

Personal space at the rear.
For the occupants of the rear seats, the BMW Vision Future Luxury offers a luxurious haven of personal space. Two large, deeply contoured single seats add to the appeal, inviting passengers to retire into their own personal “comfort zone”. A retractable table, the angled Rear Seat Displays and the rigid backs of the front seats create a very private ambience, sectioning this area off from the rest of the interior. The sense of privacy is accentuated by modern, flowing geometry and the use of select materials, with lavish wood surfaces extending from the rear parcel shelf to enfold the rear seat occupants in a cosseting three- dimensional space. Strategically placed lighting slats integrated into the wood echo the surrounding styling and, with their warm glow, accentuate the modern and cozy ambience. Finest-quality aniline leather in Batavia brown and a lighter Silk shade, Silk nubuk leather and the warm brown, layered lime wood all have a natural aura which offers unique visual appeal and quality. The division between darker materials in the upper areas and light materials in the lower areas creates a feeling of warmth and a luxurious sense of space. A deep-pile pure silk carpet rounds off the exclusive array of materials in the interior of the BMW Vision Future Luxury.

Exclusiveness and elegance – the exterior design.
In side view, perfect proportions – precise, uncluttered and elegant – convey the exclusiveness of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and low, set-back greenhouse lend the stretched silhouette a refined dynamism. In hallmark BMW style, a finely sculpted contour line creates a taut arc along the side of the vehicle, and the opulent surfaces underneath this line have, as always on a BMW, been shaped by seasoned modelers. This hand-sculpted design gives the surfaces a special emotional appeal that would be beyond the capabilities of a computer. The effect is further enhanced by the Liquid Platinum Bronze exterior paintwork, which generates a warm, shimmering effect. An exclusive flourish at the side of the vehicle is the side mirror, which appears to grow organically out of the chrome window trim. Designed as a visual continuation of the chrome trim, its slender stalk is attached to the mirror from below, giving it a graceful and effortless appearance, almost as if it were hovering in mid-air.

BMW EfficientDynamics: honed aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight engineering.
The exterior design perfectly showcases the advanced aerodynamics and innovative lightweight engineering of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. The coupé-style roofline and sloping boot lid, for example, significantly reduce drag. Underlying the tautly sculpted exterior surfaces, equally refined solutions provide optimal channeling of the airflow. They include the Air Breather system at the rear of the front wheel arch, a C-pillar with internal air channeling, and openings in the rear apron which vent air from the wheel arches. An elegant carbon strip in the door sill area alludes discreetly to the innovative lightweight engineering concept based on aluminum and carbon. Both these lightweight materials are used in the vehicle in exactly the right places to achieve maximum effect – both individually and in tandem.

BMW Laserlight at the front.
Clean and simple in design, the traditional iconic BMW front-end design cues – the twin kidney grille and twin headlights – instantly proclaim the brand identity of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. The lean contours of the headlights also hint at the innovative technology sheltering behind them: BMW Laserlight. This new technology not only paves the way for a very flat and dynamic interpretation of the typical BMW twin round headlamps, it also sets completely new standards in terms of brightness, range and intensity. The concentrated, parallel light beam is up to ten times more intense than that of an LED system. The reduced energy consumption and packaging requirements of laser lights make this technology a prime candidate for use in future vehicles.

Underneath the headlights, the assertive multi-material front apron accentuates the elegant front-end styling. At the outboard ends of the apron, graceful carbon air deflectors conceal a range of BMW EfficientDynamics aerodynamics features. The thin-walled air deflectors are made of carbon, a further reminder of the intelligent lightweight engineering concept of the BMW Vision Future Luxury. A slender chrome strip on the air deflectors highlights the airflow system.

OLED lighting at the rear.
The horizontal lines of the side profile glide gently away at the rear in a final expansive flourish. As at the front, the body styling in this area is deliberately understated, allowing the innovative, narrow and slender lights to make a powerful statement. For the first time on a BMW the rear lighting is provided by organic LEDs, paving the way for a completely new treatment of the typical BMW L-shaped lights. The BMW Vision Future Luxury’s L-shaped rear lights comprise a large number of small, likewise L-shaped OLEDs.

An organic LED consists of wafer-thin organic semiconductor layers positioned between two electrodes. The light-emitting polymer layer is only approx. 400 nanometers thick, making it roughly 400 times thinner than a human hair. Organic LEDs are not only extremely thin, as well as flexible, they also produce very uniform illumination over their entire surface. Due to their very thin dimensions, and since they do not require reflectors in order to produce the desired broad light dispersion, they open up completely new ways of using light in and around the vehicle.

With its arrival in Beijing, the BMW Vision Future Luxury furnishes a long-term outlook on the perception of modern luxury for the BMW brand.

BMW Vision Future Luxury

BMW Vision Future Luxury Interior

BMW Vision Future Luxury Design Process

BMW Vision Future Luxury Sketches

[Staszek]

This is what the 7 needs to look like!

[Zadjali]

I like it ... Wish this will be the next 7 Series! ... But this huge kidney grille and tiny headlights is mismatching ... Also the read door open style should be Rolls Royce exclusive feature.

[TractionControlOff]

Kidney Grills gone wild!! But I like it overall.

[ddk632]

Wow, it's gorgeous. Wish the i8 had this kind of an interior luxury-wise. If the new 7 is half of this concept, I will be very excited to see it!

[Teutonic]

gorgeous!

[BMWRL]

Sick! I think the next 7 will be closer to the Gran Lusso concept, but this will be the face of the X7 for sure! This is why BMW needs to make all the models they do know a days, so they can design and being to life concepts like this! Gorgeous!

[Dackelone]

I can see a lot of the styling of the Gran Lusso Concept in this car. I LIKE IT!!

Since this concept has OLED's... I wonder IF this is the (production)car that BMW AG was hinting of at the Laser Light Workshop last week.

[Jmpascual]

It's kind of ugly...and pretty. I really like some aspects and the technology this car showcases. Those driver centric screens look awesome. I love my head up display and would like to see what more they can do with this awesome tech.

[flyga3]

I stopped at the first bullet: "Lightweight design concept"!
And what's with that "beer tap" controller??? Still?? Time to kill that and design a revolutionary way for gear selection.

Everything else looks GREAT, but you will AMAZE me, BMWAG, if you can just nail that first word: lightweight!

[SCOTT26]

In essence...design , engineering and technology this is the G11.

This is our new DNA. You will see many cars in this concept both from an engineering , exterior and interior perspective. Its important to clothe the outer skin to look as sporty and dynamic to reflect the new DNA's athleticism under the skin.

Essentially it is the new 7er but if you de-magnify you will also get the G30.

The exceptionally large kidney grille will not feature on the 7er. But it will be on the X7.
The X7 will be the luxurious SAV that is twinned with the new 7er, it is not going to be an extended X5.

[Black Flagged]

[ddk632]

Wonder how the eDrive badge plays in to all of this....

[touringfanatic]

It's kinda like they have used already existing design cues from f01, though i appreciate the low stance this limo concept has. Not so sure about the suicide doors, my opinion is that it simply isn't bmw thing but if they are really pushing it, then they should eliminate the b-pillar to truly be groundbreaking.

[BMW-ALPINA]

Wow. This is ugly.

[TheBingoBalls]

Last time BMW had a concept with a petrol engine, we got the 6-Series Gran Coupe. I'm excited for this.

[IEDEI]

this thing is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.

i hope this takes BMW back into a retro-futurist type design scheme.....after the recent disappointments of the 2-series and all the horrible X trucks....

[yousefnjr]

Love the sketches!

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Wonder how the eDrive badge plays in to all of this....

An eDrive 7er is highly significant especially with the new lightweight concept.
The 7er eDrive Concept will be shown at the IAA next September.
With the approach to weight reduction in the next 7er taking on something groundbreaking for the entire segment, the weight of the batteries can be offset because of the innovative vehicle structure. As well as utilising Carbon body panels like the rest of the 7er models . eDrive 7er will also feature Carbon wheels in an aerodynamic design. The crowning piece with be a six cylinder combined with an electric motor developing around 400 hp and the fuel consumption of a entry model 3er with the weight of an entry 5er.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

I like it overall, the grills are a bit too big, but as scott said, wont make it to the G11.

Only thing is missing for me is that line that runs through the hood from both sides and end up on the BMW logo..i really liked that..

[ROM3]

Not a fan of the rear end. Anybody else agree or disagree?

[GOLFFRR]

wow