BMW Vision iNext: An X5-Sized SUV From The Not So Distant Autonomous Future

Visitors of the LA Auto Show will have the chance to see for the first time BMW’s futuristic Vision iNext, the company’s latest concept built to preview the ‘future of personal mobility’.

And if that sounds wildly generic, the truth is that this is actually a preview of an electric SUV with autonomous and connected features, that will arrive in 2021. The concept itself is similarly sized to a BMW X5 but claims to offer way more interior space, thanks to the EV-specific architecture that features superior packaging.

What’s powering it?

The electric powertrain comes with front- and rear-mounted motors, as well as a battery tray under the floor. BMW says that the Vision iNext is capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in about four seconds, offering a driving range of 380 miles (611km).

The main visual highlight of this latest BMW concept is of course the oversized kidney grille; it’s not actually a grille but a panel that houses sensors for the autonomous system. The interior design is minimalist, mixing wood, fabric and metal with digital displays. The front seats are divided by a table-style console while the rear bench can fit up to four passengers.

There are two drive modes available: Boost and Ease. The first one is the mode you choose if you want to drive yourself, with the digital displays focused on the driver. Choose Ease and the steering wheel folds away for a more comfortable commute as the Vision iNext drives itself.

When can I drive it?

You can’t, at least not in this concept form, but BMW is planning to put a milder version of the Vision iNext into production at their Dingolfing factory in Germany, starting from 2021. It will be positioned as the brand’s technological flagship, promising to open “a new era in driving pleasure”, as well as marking the next step in autonomous and connected technologies.

*New images from the LA Auto Show added to the gallery