BMW’s flagship electric SUV, the iNext, will launch in 2021, yet the automaker has just teased one very important feature: its huge, curved display.
Oriented towards the driver, it blends the infotainment system and digital gauges into one large screen. Inspired from modern consumer electronics technology, it’s customizable and features touch control and non-reflective glass.
It will be the dominating feature of the cabin, and since it’s “virtually freely suspended on the instrument panel”, as BMW explains, it leaves the impression of a floating design.
Also Read: 2021 BMW iNext Electric SUV Shows Off Unique Interior Layout
“The curved, single-section display is the central control element and represents the modern interpretation of driver orientation. It occupies a dominant central position in a highly iconic display structure that provides a highly distinctive display experience”, said the chief of Design, Domagoj Dukec. “The curved display is set in high-quality materials and is virtually freely suspended on the instrument panel. This makes it a key element in terms of the modern, luxurious and generous sense of space in the BMW iNext.”
According to previous information released by BMW, the iNext will have a range of more than 600 km (373 miles) and will do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in around 4 seconds.
Furthermore, the electric SUV will feature Level 3 autonomous driving, which means it will be able to control the steering, brakes and acceleration on its own, although the driver must be ready at all times to intervene if necessary.
In a couple of years, the iNext will become the test bed for BMW’s Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous driving technologies. Level 4 doesn’t require any human assistance whatsoever, but it can be driven on request, whereas Level 5 allows the car to operate in all possible conditions and lacks the usual steering wheel, pedals and other controls.
