MUNICH: BMW celebrated its centenary with the rollout of the BMW VISION NEXT 100.
This vehicle combines coupé-type sportiness with the dynamic elegance of a sedan.
It is envisioned as a highly customised vehicle that is tailored to suit the driver’s changing needs.
Driver-vehicle interactions are managed by Alive Geometry; Boost and Ease modes offer a choice of driver-controlled or vehicle-controlled operations, and the interior of the vehicle changes to suit the mode of travel.
In Boost, the entire vehicle focuses on the driver, offering the support needed to maximise the driving experience – for instance by indicating the ideal driving line, steering point and speed. Ease mode sees the interior transform: the steering wheel and centre console retract; the headrests turn to the side, and the seats and door trim merge to form a single unit so that the driver and front-seat passenger can turn towards each other.
“If, as a designer, you are able to imagine something, there’s a good chance it could one day become reality,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “So our objective with the BMW VISION NEXT 100 was to develop a future scenario that people would engage with.”
The BMW Vision Vehicle made its world debut at the Centenary Event in the Munich Olympic Hall today.
About 2,000 guests from industry, politics, research, society and the media were present, as were selected dealers, suppliers and employees. A multi-media experience guided them through the history of the company to this latest interpretation of tomorrow’s premium mobility, culminating in the unveiling of the Vision Vehicle.
BMW Group has a global network, employing more than 122,000 employees in 140 countries.
After its world debut, the BMW VISION NEXT 100 will go on a symbolic World Tour entitled “Iconic Impulses.” stopping in China, the UK and the USA. After its Asian premiere in Beijing, it will travel to London, where the Vision Vehicles of the BMW Group’s British brands – MINI and Rolls-Royce – will be unveiled. Its last port of call will be Los Angeles, USA, where BMW Motorrad will add its Vision Vehicle to the collection to complete the quartet of brands.
Key content from “Iconic Impulses.” will also be on show in Munich as a permanent exhibition. The Future Exhibition in the ‘double cone’ structure of the BMW Welt will open to the public in spring. A further exhibition will be mounted by the BMW Museum, where a temporary centenary display entitled “100 Masterpieces” will present milestones in the history of the BMW Group. It will be open to the public from March 10.
From Sept 9-11, the BMW Festival – THE NEXT 100 YEARS will welcome fans from all over the world. It will take place in the Munich Olympic Park, including the Olympic Stadium and Hall. The BMW Museum and BMW Welt will also be involved, as will the entire area around the iconic ‘four-cylinder’ headquarters building.
To round off the centenary year, there will be a special publication consisting of 13 volumes. This will outline the history of the company and discuss key future topics. The books will contain a mix of essays, reports, studies and expert interviews. They will reflect the diversity of the BMW Group and its BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands.
