BMW is pushing forward with its plan to offer pure electric power as a mainstay in its product portfolio and showed a likely direction that push will take in the form of the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept, a 4-door Gran Group boasting a range of 373 miles and a top speed of over 120 mph. In keeping with its Ultimate Driving Machine philosophy, BMW also promises exceptional handling and 0-62 mph performance of about 4 seconds.
“At the BMW Group, the future of electric mobility has already arrived,” boasted Harald Krüger, BMW’s chairman. “We have more electrified vehicles on the road than any established competitor and are committed to expanding our activities…by 2025 we will be offering 25 models with an electrified drive system, of which 12 will be pure electric.”
Krüger says the i Vision Dynamics Concept in realized production form will slot neatly between the i3 hatchback and i8 sports coupe in BMW’s lineup and “are therefore electrifying the heart of the BMW brand and at the same time, elevating BMW i [sub-brand] into a totally new dimension.”
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Simple design
The clean shape of the i Vision Dynamics is an evolution of classic BMW design themes employing a long wheelbase, flowing roofline and short overhangs. The sheetmetal surfaces are fluid in their contours and the entire shape looks as if it where machined from billet thanks to the flush glass and tight seams. The coupe-inspired roofline also helps disguise the fact that this is a 4-door vehicle. At the front, the i Vision Dynamics retains the classic BMW twin kidney grille treatment with a twist. Underlying sensors turn the kidneys into an “intelligence surface” that helps gather data critical to the vehicle’s semi-autonomous operation. Even the headlamps are a reinterpretation of the class four-eyed look, using two intricate free-standing LED light elements on each side of the front end to integrate all necessary lighting functions, from daytime running lamps to turn signals.
While BMW is committed to offering a pure EV in this space, the company offered little in the way of details on the vehicle’s electric motors or battery pack beyond the performance figures. While setting rather lofty goals for its speed and range, it appears that the primary focus of this show car is to preview the future styling direction of BMW’s Gran Coupe series.
