New Models
New Models

BMW explores control and display tech with i Inside Future

BMW has rolled out (or pushed, or carried, since it has no wheels...) a new concept for this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.


Dubbed i Inside Future, the sculpture-like concept forms part of the future-focused program that brought us the electrified i3 hatch and i8 sports coupe.

Among the i Inside Future's minimalist styling features are deep Eames-like seats with room for four, and roof-mounted headrests do their part to highlight the art-focused strategy of this concept.

Wooden accents and framework feature throughout, and a centre console that combines an integrated display with an almost coffee table-like aesthetic.

As if concerned that some might not get the message that they're looking at a space for lounging, BMW has stacked a collection of books along the floor. Not anticipating any hard cornering, then…

It remains to be seen just how realistic this streamlined interior design will prove to be, but with autonomous driving set to be the focus of future commuting, car makers will be keen to explore a more lounge-like approach to cabin comfort.

The concept's purpose is about more than design, however, with BMW showcasing its new HoloActive Touch technology.

The system features what BMW describes as a free-floating display, showing a "virtual" touchscreen projected above the centre console. Its features and controls are operated by finger and hand gestures in mid-air.

BMW says it has refined a technique for ultrasound tactile feedback when gesture commands are registered, although it has not detailed just how this system will work.

A more conventional interface is also featured, with a physical touchscreen, a head-up display and a large main screen all on board.

BMW has already rolled out gesture-based controls to its latest models, and we can likely expect versions of this HoloActive Touch system to appear in the future. Perhaps the far future, but time will tell…

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