BMW put up a good show on Sunday in New York after it unveiled the concept of the much-hyped iNext. The 'i' sub-brand in BMW's portfolio is an EV pertains to the company's EV centred projects with advanced technologies.
The concept which was introduced is expected to be launched by 2021, a year after which it can be expected in the showrooms. The 'i' sub-brand of the German auto giant is based on three main principles including zero emissions, self-driving capability and connectivity.
“The iNext project will provide our building blocks for the future, from which the entire company and all of its brands are set to benefit,” BMW CEO Harald Krüger said of the concept.
Christened as the new BMW Vision iNext, the autonomous SUV shares looks with numerous upcoming cars in BMW's palette under the 'i' sub-brand. While the company has not revealed any further details on its technicalities. However, reports suggest that a pair of electric motors that are present in the SUV will be capable of taking it to triple-digit speeds in under 4.0 seconds.
It will possess the company's fifth-generation batteries of 120 kilowatts with an expected range of 370 miles. Speaking of its autonomy, the SUV will be offered with a Level 3 self-driving capability in certain highway conditions.
A level 3 self-driving system allows the driver can let go of the wheel and even look away for extended periods, though they have to be ready to take over within seconds.
The interior design of the SUV carries a relaxed ambience with a large panoramic glass roof. Controls are integrated into the dashboard furnishing of the vehicle and can be used when the driver brushes fingers over it, a tech that the company calls 'shy tech'.
The iNext will be produced at its main plant in Dingolfing, Germany. The SUV is the first among the 25 cars that the company is planning to launch by 2025.
