BMW iNEXT Electric Crossover: This Is It!

The first official images of BMW‘s conceptual electric crossover, the iNEXT, have surfaced online.

Set to preview the 2021 production model, the iNEXT is a futuristic crossover that is infused with BMW i DNA.

Originally spotted on Bimmerpost, the pictures show the concept has a massive twin kidney grille with a fake mesh insert. The grille also features a blue chrome surround which hints at the model’s eco-friendly powertrain.

The grille sits in between slender headlights and recessed sections of the front fascia which channel air into slender intakes. Further below, we can see gloss black accents which mimic plastic body cladding.

Moving further back, we can see BMW has embraced the side camera mirror trend that is being pioneered by Audi and Lexus. Elsewhere, there are massive wheels and a distinctive greenhouse with ‘pinched’ accents on the B-pillar (or where it would traditionally be). The concept also features pronounced rear wheel arches and a relatively flat roof which meets a tailgate-mounted spoiler.

While the rest of the crossover has a bold design, the rear end is slightly generic. However, the model has a rounded tailgate with slender brakes lights. Further below, we can see a heavily stylized bumper with blue accents.

The cabin takes a different approach as it features a minimalist design which is largely devoid of controls and trim. Instead, drivers sit behind a rectangular-shaped steering wheel and find themselves looking at a ‘floating’ digital instrument cluster. A widescreen infotainment system is located nearby and it appears to have a metallic frame.

Additional details are hard to make out, but the iNEXT has a panoramic glass roof and a unique center console that looks like it has a wood and marble top. The dashboard also appears to be covered in wood while there are metallic accents on the door pulls.

BMW has been tight-lipped about specifications, but the company’s e-mobility roadmap confirmed the production iNEXT will be a “Gen 5” electric vehicle. The automaker has already confirmed these modes will have a modular battery pack with a capacity ranging from 60 kWh to 120 kWh. This will enable future electric vehicles to have a range of up to 435 miles (700 km) on a single charge.

Besides the high-tech powertrain, the iNEXT is slated to have an advanced semi-autonomous driving system. The model is expected to have Level 4 system which could enable the vehicle to drive itself in a number of different situations.