BMW Vision M NEXT: First Look

© BMW USA Future of Performance
Last fall BMW provided some insight into the company’s vision for future mobility with the iNEXT, which emphasizes connectivity and autonomous operation. For those who are concerned that humans won’t be driving in the future, BMW may have put these fears to rest with its latest concept: the Vision M NEXT. The Vision M NEXT represents the German automaker’s look to the future for those who enjoy the engagement of driving — something BMW’s M brand is all about.

iNEXT vs. M NEXT
“The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW Group Design. “Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging,” van Hooydonk enthused.

© BMW USA Sleek and Sexy
With clear influence from the current BMW i8, the Vision M NEXT concept features a low, wedge-shaped silhouette with gull-wing doors. At the front is a modern interpretation of the classic kidney grille with headlights that make first use of Laser Wire light technology for a futuristic look. The Vision M NEXT features large air intakes that are further enhanced by matte-neon Thrilling Orange paint, which really stands out next to the Cast Silver paint.

© BMW USA Unique Look
The Laser Wire lights are employed at the rear too, as well as a combination of the Thrilling Orange paint and rear diffuser created from recycled carbon fiber. The louvers on the rear window are a nod to the iconic BMW M1. This combination, along with the unique lights, gives the M NEXT a wide, sporting look.

© BMW USA Hybrid Sports Car
“The BMW Vision M NEXT is a progressive hybrid sports car that makes a very clear and confident statement, in terms of both appearance and interaction,” said Domagoj Dukec, vice president of BMW Design. The emotion-stirring exterior design clearly announces the BMW Vision Vehicle’s performance potential, borrowing styling cues from both classic and contemporary BMW sports cars in the process,” Dukec noted.

© BMW USA Purposeful Interior
As one would expect from a car for the future, the BMW Vision M Next unlocks automatically with facial recognition. The gullwing doors open with the touch of a button, revealing an interior designed for the driver. Seats appear to be completely integrated into the body of the car, upholstered with a foam that molds itself to the occupant for the ultimate in comfort and support.

© BMW USA Advanced Display
Controls, displays and driver interaction are part of what BMW calls the BOOST Pod. “The entire interior is focused on the BOOST Pod. The geometry has a deliberately low-key feel so that the driver can concentrate fully on the driving experience,” further explained Dukec. A transparent Curved Glass Display stretches around the steering wheel like a visor, which is enhanced by a head-up display on the windshield.

© BMW USA Clear and Intuitive
“In the BMW Vision M NEXT, intelligent technologies help the driver and deliver the right content at the right time. Operation is clear and intuitive, with all information presented in the driver’s direct field of view. This is a deliberate counterpoint to the BMW Vision iNEXT, which focused on multimodal operation from every seat,” observed Dukec.

© BMW USA Powerful Hybrid Powertrain
Not only does the Vision M NEXT look and feel futuristic, it has a powertrain to match. The plug-in hybrid system uses an electric motor on each axle as well as a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This advanced sports car can run as a pure electric vehicle with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The gasoline engine also sends power to the rear wheels; the system combines to produce 600 horsepower. Acceleration is quick: 62 mph (100 km/h) comes up in 3 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. The Vision M NEXT also has an all-electric range of 62 miles.

© BMW USA Driving the Future
The BMW Vision M NEXT is still merely a concept, but it is pleasing to see a car company of BMW’s caliber looking to the future with an exhilarating high-performance sports car, rather than a vehicle that humans will simply occupy while being transported around town autonomously.