BMW Unveils i Interaction EASE Concept, Hints At X7-Based Mercedes-Maybach GLS Rival

BMW is giving us a glimpse of the autonomous future by unveiling the i Interaction EASE concept at CES.

Jointly created with Designworks, the concept has an “abstract” exterior as the company wants visitors to focus on the cabin. The latter has been designed to “give passengers the feeling of having already arrived at their destination while still en route.”

That’s a lot of marketing hyperbole, but the concept features an all-new gaze detection system. The system monitors were passengers are looking and then uses artificial intelligence to process the “acoustic and visual information received from a variety of sensors and interprets it according to the driving situation, time, location, and vehicle signals.”

The system then uses this data to provide relevant information about what you’re looking at. As an example, the system could be able to pull up information about the restaurant you’re glancing at. This information can be displayed on the windshield as the entire surface acts as a panorama head-up display.

Speaking of the latter, the panorama display has an augmented-reality user interface with three different modes. Explore mode uses the gaze detection system and superimposes information of what passengers are looking at. Entertain mode is designed for watching movies, while Ease mode focuses on providing a calm and relaxing environment. The latter mode also puts the seats into a “zero-gravity” position which BMW says gives occupant the feeling of floating on air.

While the technologies sound futuristic, BMW confirmed some of the features from the i Interaction EASE will be launched in iNEXT. The automaker didn’t go into specifics, but revealed the model will come with 5G connectivity when it is launched in 2021. BMW is particularly proud about this as they believe the model will become the first luxury vehicle with 5G.

X7 ZeroG Lounger

Speaking of things going into production, BMW showcased X7s equipped with a ZeroG Lounger. The seat features an integrated leg rest and can recline up to 60 degrees.

BMW didn’t say much else about the seat, the X7s have also been equipped with a flip down screen that can show entertainment programs as well as directional information. The model also features a unique center console which has a wireless charger integrated into the lid. That doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but BMW noted the lid’s design allows a smartphone’s display to be viewed “effortlessly in any of the ZeroG Lounger’s various sitting or reclining positions.”

On the safety front, the ZeroG Lounger has an integrated seat belt and a cocoon airbag that provides “wraparound protection for the occupant in the event of an accident.” BMW says this enables the seat to meet all the requisite safety standards.

ZeroG Lounger seats will be offered in production models in a “few years,” and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them included in the rumored ultra-luxury X7. The model is designed to battle the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and is slated to have a four-seat interior.

i3 Urban Suite

Besides the aforementioned vehicles, BMW created a fleet of 20 i3s with the “ambience of a boutique hotel.” Known as the i3 Urban Suite, the model has a unique interior which has been completely transformed as only the driver’s seat and dashboard carryover.

As part of the makeover, the rear seat has been replaced by a lounge chair that features a matching footrest. The seat also features a Sound Zone which is incorporated into the head rest and “simulates the effect of an acoustically sealed space.” BMW says it allows the passenger to make phone calls that cannot be overheard by the chauffeur.

Besides the unique seat, the i3 Urban Suite has a wood table and a small lamp. The model also features a clothes hanger, a large storage tray and a pair of thermoelectric cup holders. Other highlights include Amazon Fire TV and 110-volt charging outlets.