The concept car also points to another crucial direction that BMW expects it will need to embark on. The fact that cars in the future may be fully autonomous. Hence, there is a steering column (it's not really a wheel) that retracts when these over chooses not to drive. BMW says it expects people to use the autonomous mode in traffic, but switch to 'Boost Mode' to take over and engage in sporty driving. The car's windscreen also plays a much larger role than today's head up display. And it will add to the driver aids we know of currently.
The concept doesn't confirm a powertrain but the logical deduction is an all electric or fuel cell powertrain since BMW calls this an emissions-free car for the future. Some of the efficient dynamics features being showcased on the car - and some of its design cues will start to come into production cars from BMW in the next few years.
The BMW Group will unveil three more concepts later in the year as part of its centenary celebrations. The first will be Mini Vision Next 100 that will focus on the theme 'Every Mini Is My Mini'. The next would be the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 that will play on the car being a Grand Sanctuary. This concept will make history as it will be the first time in Rolls-Royce's 114 year history that it will show a concept car. And lastly, there will also be the BMW Motorrad's Vision Next 100 concept titled The Great Escape.
All four concepts will integrate with a future mobility theme with a focus on the environment and user interface. The concepts will also be taken around the world and though the BMW Vision Next 100 will come to Asia it's only Beijing that will get to see it. I am heartened to know that the company says unlike the past 100 years, the future product strategy will take markets and consumers outside of Germany and Europe also into account.
