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BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car. It was on display at Performance Motors Limited’s BMW showroom in Alexandra Road in early August 2016. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

BMW’s i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car offers a glimpse into what the user interface of the future might be like between drivers and passengers with their vehicles.

One key feature in the Vision Concept Car is the central panorama display. This high-resolution panorama display which extends from the centre console and across the entire passenger side is almost 40cm wide and the screen diagonal is 21 inches (53.34 cm).

The interface between driver and what is shown on the panorama display depends on the drive mode.

For example, when in the fully automated drive mode, phone conversations in audio mode can be changed to video transmissions and both driver and passenger may also have unrestricted access to online Web content, mails and other audio visual services.

One innovation related to the control of this panorama display and for the future of human-machine interface is the “AirTouch” whereby the screen can be operated very much like a touchscreen but without the need for touch. There is simply no need to physically touch the screen.

How does this work? Sensors built into the dashboard panel can detect and respond to hand movements or gestures. For example, when the hand moves forwards like a push gesture over an icon on the screen, it can activate a command.

There is an AirTouch switch on the steering wheel for the driver and another on the passenger’s side panel that illuminates briefly to allow either to confirm the command.

The central panorama display extends from the centre console and across the entire passenger side. To control the menu and commands available on this panorama display, there is the human-machine interface termed the “AirTouch”. Commands can be chosen or activated by way of tapping, swiping or sliding movements. When the hand moves forwards like a push gesture, the icon on the screen can activate a command. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

There are also touch-sensitive surfaces on the central console for use by either the driver or passenger to activate menu options. Commands can be chosen or activated by way of tapping, swiping or sliding movements, very much like those already used on smart phones or tablets.

For the driver, there is a high-resolution Head-Up display within his or her field of vision on the front windscreen that relays real time information on speed, speed limits and navigational data.

An instrument cluster directly behind the steering wheel displays information such as the traffic ahead, oncoming vehicles or obstacles that are still not within the driver’s field of vision including three-dimensional maps shown autostereoscopically. In other words, there is no need for special headgear or glasses to view the images or information.

The driver can read information off such as speed, speed limits and navigational data on the Head-Up display on the front windscreen and be updated with traffic conditions on the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The drive mode selector is on the steering wheel’s left. Either the “Pure Drive” mode for self-drive or “Auto Mode” allowing the vehicle to steer independently can be chosen. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

The driver can easily switch between driving modes: “Pure Drive” is for the driver to be in full control of driving and with the “Assist” setting, the system works passively; for example, the sounding of alerts without any vehicle control intervention. The vehicle intervenes actively when dangerous situations are detected. These include road hazards and obstacles that are safety risks.

The “Auto Mode” is when the vehicle takes control of forwards and sideway moves, independent acceleration, braking and steering without the driver’s assistance. Such a mode could be activated and made possible on approved stretches of highways and roads.

The drive mode selector is found on the left side of the steering wheel. When the driver slides it to the right for highly automated driving, the steering wheel slowly illuminates in blue, moves away from the driver and towards the dashboard, opening up more space [for the driver].

When the “Pure Drive” mode is activated, the steering wheel moves out and towards the driver, and gradually illuminates in red.

In this short video of around 30 seconds (we apologise, we removed the audio as there was too much background “noise”), Harry Sze, creative director, Designworks (a part of the BMW Group) and who is based in Shanghai shows how the drive mode selector, found on the left side of the steering wheel, works. When the driver wants to manually drive the car, the “Pure Drive” command is activated when the drive mode selector is moved to the left. After which the steering wheel raises up and illuminates in red to “notify” the driver to take control of the vehicle. When the driver slides it to the right for highly automated driving (“Auto” mode), the steering wheel slowly illuminates in blue, moves away from the driver and towards the dashboard. Video: © TANG Portfolio. ST / Elfa / Timmy. 2016

[Editor’s note: Can a mechanical wristwatch transform itself in a similar manner? Well, Montblanc’s Metamorphosis II came instantly to mind after Sze’s BMW demonstration. The Montblanc Metamorphosis II can switch between “classic” time of hours and minutes, and the chronograph function by simply activating a pusher on its side. Do check out: Montblanc Metamorphosis II: The Transformer in Action.]

“When the self-drive mode [Pure Drive] is turned back on, it gives the driver around 10 seconds of preparation time [to take control of the vehicle],” explains Harry Sze, creative director, Designworks, which is a part of the BMW Group who is based in Shanghai.

“More than 25,000 kilometres of testing have gone into this car. This BMW i Vision Concept Car is the future of ultimate driving and joy rides,” surmises Axel Pannes, managing director, BMW Group Asia.

The user interface in vehicles of the future allowing for interaction between driver and / or passengers must not only be innovative but intuitive with functions controlled by touch-sensitive surfaces, gestures and voice.

To sum up, we realise that there are three “i”s with regards to the BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car: interaction, innovation and intuition; for future interaction, there is innovation and intuitive communications.

The features showcased with the BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept are sound and logical. For this small glimpse into the future of BMW automobiles, we can only say “aye!” (pun intended).

If you haven’t already done so, do check out part one of this article:
BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car (Part I): i’s on the future

For fans of BMW (we admit we are) and wristwatch-related articles on BMW, we highly recommend Ball Watch which has a collaboration with this German marque:
i. Sports Watch: Ball for BMW TimeTrekker
ii. Ball Watch for BMW: the BMW tii inspiration
iii. Ball Watch for BMW

BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car. It was first unveiled in January 2016 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. It finally made its way to South-East Asia and was first showcased in Singapore at Performance Motors Limited’s showroom in Alexandra Road. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

First unveiled in January 2016 at the Consumer Electronics Show or CES in Las Vegas, BMW’s i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car finally made its first appearance in South-East Asia in early August.

Based on the sleek and sporty BMW i8 Concept Spyder, the i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car was showcased in Singapore at Performance Motors Limited’s (PML) BMW facility at 315 Alexandra Road.

A member of the Sime Darby Group of companies, Performance Motors Limited has been a distributor of BMW cars and BMW motorcycles in Singapore since 1979. PML’s BMW facility is relatively new as it was officially opened in 2014.

It comes as no surprise that Singapore was the first South-East Asian country to showcase this concept car. Even though it is a small country, it has the highest GDP per capita in the region. (Reference: timewerke.com article: Singapore and the watch markets of South-East Asia.)

The sports car aesthetics of the BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car is a feast for the eyes of any motoring enthusiast and it is designed as a two-seater offering an al fresco drive.

BMW’s Vision Car features an innovative LifeDrive architecture made with separate units operating independently of each other. It features the Life Module made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for a lightweight passenger compartment

The drive modules, the drive train, chassis and safety structure, are manufactured primarily with aluminium.

The use of carbon in their vehicles isn’t new for BMW. “The BMW i8 and i3 are the first mass-produced vehicles with carbon structures,” highlights Axel Pannes, managing director, BMW Group Asia.

The BMW i8, the German marque’s first plug-in hybrid car, was commercially launched in 2014. The BMW i3, launched in 2013, is the brand’s first electric car to be produced on an industrial scale. BMW has also staked its claim with the i3 being the world’s first series production premium electric car.

What’s more, the BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car comes in a unique colour, what is described as an E-Copper Orange finish, frozen grey accents for the tank cover, front and rear sills for the characteristic kidney-shaped grille, and high-gloss black below the door’s entrance.

But there is more than meets the eye (pun intended) other than the sports car architecture.

In the first place, what is a BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car?

BMW’s i Vision car basically demonstrates what the user interface of the future might be like between drivers and passengers with their vehicles, especially when technological advancements are leaning the automotive industry towards driverless cars and the realisation of Vision Zero.

Vision Zero, which originated from Sweden in 1997, is an international road safety initiative to eventually realise highway systems with zero fatalities or serious injuries on the roads. In other words, accident-free individual mobility.

The BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car made in the showroom of Performance Motors Limited. From left-to-right: Axel Pannes (Managing Director, BMW Group Asia), Harry Sze (Creative Director, Automotive, Designworks) & Horst Herdtle (Managing Director, Performance Motors Limited). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

The BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car in the showroom of Performance Motors Limited. From left-to-right: Axel Pannes (Managing Director, BMW Group Asia), Harry Sze (Creative Director, Automotive, Designworks) & Horst Herdtle (Managing Director, Performance Motors Limited). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016

“BMW cars in the future will be electric and autonomous,” says Horst Herdtle, managing director, Performance Motors Limited (PML), adding that there will also be “shared business” as the vehicles are connected to the outside world.

As the objective is user interface, the driver or passenger can firstly, access the digital content, such as the charge status of the batteries, routes offered at any time on his or her smartphone, smart watch or Mobility Mirror.

Inside the i Vision Concept Car, there is a central panorama display for the menus, map displays and entertainment offerings, among other things.

This wide display does not obstruct the passenger’s view of the windscreen as it is only 11cm, which, as highlighted by BMW, “… means that the dashboard panel is not higher than in the BMW i8 and it permits an optimum view of the front of the vehicle.

“The dashboard is simple. The driver will therefore not be distracted by clutter,” notes Pannes.

An almost three-and-a-half minute video by BMW Group on this i Vision Future Interaction is highly recommended for those interested as it gives a great overview of what the future of driving and the user interface with the vehicle will be like.

Do check out the second part of this article on timewerke.com:
BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept Car (Part II): i’s on the future

For fans of BMW (like us) and wristwatch-related articles on BMW, we recommend Ball Watch which has a collaboration with this German marque:
i. Sports Watch: Ball for BMW TimeTrekker
ii. Ball Watch for BMW: the BMW tii inspiration?
iii. Ball Watch for BMW