The BMW Group impressed all those in attendance at #NEXTGen 2020 with the unveiling of three outstanding creations.

“This global digital launch proved to be a phenomenal success, one filled with exciting new technologies and innovations.”

In 2019, the BMW Group introduced the #NEXTGen experience to the world. Created as the group’s own format to support the company’s claim in innovation leadership, this event proved to be an overwhelming success, paving the way for a future annual occurrence. With the radical changes taking place across the globe in current times, this year’s event – #NEXTGen 2020 – was presented in a purely digital format, with all communication and information being shared online. Regardless of these restrictions, the global digital launch proved to be a phenomenal success, one filled with exciting new technologies and innovations.

BMW: Shaping the Future

At #NEXTGen 2020, the BMW Group gifted all virtual attendees a rare glimpse into areas of its technological and vehicle development, areas that are usually shrouded in secrecy. The BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, and has been producing innovative vehicles since 1928. Its long-standing goal has been to continue spearheading technological development through the setting of trends and shaping of future mobility. BMW is constantly striving to reinvent itself, and this year’s event focussed on topic areas such as connectivity, artificial intelligence, electric drive systems, international alliances as well as BMW’s new Driving Simulation Centre. In its own words, “The BMW Group isn’t ready for the future – it is helping to actively shape it.”

As you may know, the BMW Group owns the BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad brands. #NEXTGen 2020 was used as a platform to exclusively unveil three new vehicle models. This unveiling included two world premieres: the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 and the MINI Vision Urbanaut. The event also focussed on the seriesproduction version of the BMW iNext, which will be badged as the BMW iX when it goes on sale in late November 2021. All three of these outstanding creations were greeted with excitement and high praise.

“The BMW iX reflects BMW’s mission to lead the driving experience into the future.

The BMW iX

With a year still to go before its market launch, the future BMW iX is still in the series development stage. However, the first model is based on a new modular, extensible future toolkit developed by the BMW Group. The focus is on a fresh interpretation of design, sustainability, versatility, luxury, and sheer driving enjoyment. Harnessing the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving, and connectivity, the BMW iX reflects BMW’s mission to lead the driving experience into the future. The game-changing character of this new approach is distinctly expressed in the iX’s design. The combination of the conservative use of crisp character lines, large shapely surfaces, and the sharper contours of the wheel arches give the iX a commanding presence. At the front end, the gigantic, vertically structured, kidney grille adds a striking component to the body, but gone are the days when this feature was merely a showpiece. Radar functions, camera technology, and other sensors are now flawlessly integrated into the grille behind a transparent surface. This reinvented grille now has the purpose of housing an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface necessary for the advanced driver assistance systems.

This technology is currently paving the way for automated driving. The BMW iX also features the slimmest headlight units ever fitted on a series-produced model as well as exceptionally slim rear lights. Frameless side windows, flush-fitted door openers, and a tailgate that has no separation joints are all visual highlights of the iX.

“The BMW iX reflects BMW’s mission to lead the driving experience into the future.”

A final of discreetly integrated technology in this model is the rear-view camera that has been incorporated into the BMW logo on the tailgate.

Inside the vehicle, the iX has ample space on offer, ensuring you are welcomed by a feeling of comfort as soon as you enter the cabin. High-end materials have been used throughout this SUV, and it is obvious that no expense was spared when this car was created. The novel steering wheel is hexagonally shaped, whilst the inclusion of a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display contribute toward its innovative theme.

Adding to the sense of openness is the grand panoramic glass roof that sits above all five of the seats. Complementing the premium feel of the car is the functional and user-friendly layout of the interior that creates a sense of organised ambience. With the absence of a centre tunnel, the space feels even more open and allows for extra legroom in both the front and the rear seating. The centre console looks like a high-quality display piece and further adds to the exclusive nature of the interior. With plenty of storage space throughout this SUV, it’s easy to store all necessary goods, thereby preventing clutter.

A minimalistic approach has been taken towards the operating system’s layout in the vehicle. A curved one-piece display is central to the controlling of the vehicle’s functions, whilst a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and central 14.9-inch infotainment screen are perfectly positioned for use by the driver. As for performance, the iX is operated by the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology. This includes two electric motors, power electronics charging technology, and a high-voltage battery. The power unit used in this SUV has a maximum output of more than 370kW or 500 hp. This enables the iX to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. This model also boasts an exceptionally low combined electric power consumption figure of 21 kWh per 100 kilometres. This provides the vehicle with a range of 600 kilometres in the WLPT cycle. The iX is also capable of exceptionally fast charging as the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Furthermore, a mere 10 minutes of charging can increase this SUV’s range by more than 120 kilometres. All in all, the BMW iX has shown itself to be a functional and aesthetically pleasing motor vehicle.

MINI Vision Urbanaut

#NEXTGen 2020 was used as the platform for the world premiere of the MINI Vision Urbanaut. This new design concept focuses on the ideas of ample space, versatility, and a minimum footprint. The intention behind this approach is to display a versatile array of extended uses for this vehicle type and instil a sense of wanderlust in those who encounter it. This model is meant to be more than just a means to travel from A to B – it has been designed to create a retreat within your vehicle, a place where you can not only go to travel, but also relax or get work done whenever the need arises. This shape-shifting, driverless, electric vehicle feels like the best of the past and future combined together to form something truly unique.

“This shape-shifting, driverless, electric vehicle feels like the best of the past and future combined together to form something truly unique.”

The exterior design of the Urbanaut is extraordinary in both its pure simplicity and functional capacity. Its form allows for the maximisation of the internal space and creation of something completely individual in nature. The front end of this MINI exhibits the evolution of the iconic headlights and radiator grille. The prominent matrix design of the headlights and rear lights displays various multicoloured graphics, further expressing the individual quality of this remarkable vehicle. Its Ocean Wave-coloured “skateboard wheels” are transparent and illuminated from the inside, once again exhibiting its unique character. The C-pillar showcases a series of MINI charms, reminiscent of the collecting of stickers and pins from festivals and other far-flung adventures. In truth, one could spend all day taking in the creative design of this remarkable exterior.

The interior of the Urbanaut provides the perfect environment in which to go on an adventure, proving that it’s not the destination, but the journey that counts. Once you have arrived at your destination, the interior of this vehicle can be transformed into a living room in a few simple steps. This transformation includes the driver’s area turning into a seating corner, and the dashboard being lowered into a “daybed”. The design of the one-of-a-kind windscreen allows for it to be opened upwards to create something reminiscent of a “street balcony”, opening up the interior space even more. The rear of the car has been designed to house the “cosy corner”, an area where a textile-covered “Loop” extends over the seat bench and features the option of LED backlighting.

“This shape-shifting, driverless, electric vehicle feels like the best of the past and future combined together to form something truly unique.”

The central section of the vehicle retains an open design, serving as a place to sit when the car is stationary. There’s only one way to enter the back of this vehicle, and that is through the one big sliding door on the passenger side. A small integrated table, complete with a plant, is situated opposite this entry point and finishes off the interior design with a flourish.

The table in the centre of the car houses the familiar MINI circular instrument, the MINI “Token”, which serves as the digital-analogue interface for MINI moments. This placement ensures that the information area is located where it is accessible to all. This intuitive user interface creates a minimalist, spatial experience whilst retaining full connectivity. The MINI “Token” is the centrepiece of the MINI Vision Urbanaut experience and activates the three pre-configured MINI moments – Chill, Wanderlust, Vibe – when placed in purpose-designed slots in the table at the centre of the vehicle. These moments affect how the car behaves.

The Chill moment allows you catch your breath and appreciate the present moment. The rear seat bench is folded down, the LEDs embedded in the Loop archway above light up to reveal a pattern reminiscent of a forest canopy, and the central table folds down to become a lamp. Wanderlust is designed for when the vehicle is in motion and is the only MINI moment when the Urbanaut is operating on automated driving function. The central screen displays ‘50s and ‘60s inspired visuals and in driverless mode, the Loop mimics the car movement, simulating the blur of passing scenery. The Vibe moment is centred around interaction with others. The Loop surface projects images of graphic equalisers that move in time to the music on the MINI’s front exterior as well as on all of the wheels. The “Token” also allows for additional “My Mini moments” through the configuration of preferred ambient lighting, music, fragrances, and more that can be activated at any time. There’s no doubt that the MINI Vision Urbanaut is a showpiece for the innovative and creative capabilities of the BMW Group.

BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04

The BMW Group’s second world premiere at #NEXTGen 2020 was the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04. Once again, a truly original design concept was unveiled, this time with two wheels. The near-series version of the Motorrad concept has been developed to offer both a means of transport as well as communication for the urban commuter. Equipping this vehicle with electric drive, a cutting-edge design, and innovative connectivity solutions ensures this scooter will redefine its segment. The Motorrad boasts a genuinely innovative design, complete with revolutionary architecture. It breaks the traditional scooter mould and gifts the public with a glimpse into the future. This scooter has not been designed for off-road journeys into the mountains. Instead, the designers focused solely on the needs of those commuting in an urban environment.

An elongated, low vehicle body and diagonally rising front end creates a modern and clear silhouette, whilst generous surfaces complete with acutely defined edges and crisp lines blend the Motorrad effortlessly into its contemporary surroundings. The flat battery located in the underbody can be folded open from the side, providing a new storage solution for helmets and other equipment. Its location also bestows the CE 04 with an excellent centre of gravity, strengthening its handling capabilities and increasing the rider’s level of fun. This scooter’s balanced proportions are further enhanced through the use of two colours. Highlighted by the surrounding Mineral White metallic of the surface finish, matt black forms the core of the vehicle, stretching from front to rear and covering both the tyres and front light as well as integrating the drive unit and suspension elements.

The positioning of the side panels allows views of the drive unit, single-sided swing arm, cooling ribs, tooth belt, and spring strut, giving onlookers a glimpse at the inner workings of this novel creation. The distinct layout and slim contours of the modern and reduced U-shaped LED front lights accentuate the game-changing design of the front end, whilst the rear lights form two C-shaped elements integrated into the rear side panels. What is perhaps the most impressive quality of this scooter is its digital capabilities.

The rider is connected to the vehicle through their smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04. It houses a 10.25-inch display, the largest in the scooter segment. This acts as an interface between the digital and analogue worlds of the rider. The BMW Group has also designed a range of rider equipment to ensure your safety as well as complement both the bike and accentuate the rider’s urban style. Innovative features of this equipment include integrated light guides in the sleeves of the parka that can be switched on and changed in colour via sensors. To ensure the rider never runs out of battery life, the inside pocket of the parka has an inductive charging field for smartphones. In the future, the graphic designers of the Motorrad see the scooter itself as a moving screen with which the rider can express his or her personality through the use of graphics and colours. The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is a testament to the groundbreaking approach to motor vehicle design by its progressive creators.

The Motorrad boasts a genuinely innovative design, complete with revolutionary architecture.”

Embracing a New Age

With all of the innovative technology and newly conceived creations displayed at #NEXTGen 2020, one thing became abundantly clear to all those in attendance. We are experiencing the dawn of a new age. The days of hands on the wheel and feet on the pedals are numbered, rapidly being replaced by an age of electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and automated driving. It is BMW that perhaps has the best attitude towards this inevitable transformation, deciding to be an active participant in the shaping of this future instead of taking a backseat, waiting for it to happen. ✤