In this teaser image, BMW is giving us a glimpse at the design of the iNext electric vehicle due in 2021. At its Annual General Meeting, BMW CEO Harald Krüger presented an initial design concept for the company's new technology flagship.
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There's not much to tell from this shadowy image, but the vehicle appears to take after theBMW i Vision Dynamics concept, which previews the design of future electric cars from the brand. The biggest tipoff is the styling of the windows. However, the vehicle in the sketch appears to take on more of an SUV shape.
In 2016, the automaker announced plans to launch the iNext. Back then, Krüger described it as the company's "new innovation driver, with autonomous driving, digital connectivity, intelligent lightweight design, a totally new interior and ultimately bringing the next generation of electro-mobility to the road."
Earlier this year, we learned the iNext will have a range of up to 435 miles. It's expected to launch with SAE Level 3 autonomous capability, although BMW will upgrade it to Level 4 autonomy as soon as a year later. At this level, drivers can safely take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Production of the BMW iNext will take place in Dingolfing, Germany starting in 2021.
By 2025, BMW will expand its lineup to include 25 electrified vehicles, 12 of which will be fully electric. One of these vehicles will be an all-electric X3, which could launch in 2020. BMW previewed this model at the Beijing auto show recently.
BMW says it will present the iNext as a "Vision Vehicle" later this year. We're assuming this means some sort of concept version in the flesh.
Source: BMW
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When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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