Quick overview of the BMW i Vision Circular

• At the front, the BMW kidney grille and headlights have been reinterpreted: as a digital surface. In the future, digital design may eliminate engineering differences in lights and bumpers, reducing the number of materials and tools required.

• Instead of installing additional decorative elements and badges, such as are often used today to emphasize quality and luxury, the brand logo on the front and model badge has been laser engraved to avoid the use of extra parts.

• The lower part of the bumper is made of recycled plastic with a refined marble surface.

• A clear design language creates entirely new dimensions for BMW. The BMW i Vision Circular forms a single unit from the front axle to the rear axle. Thanks to the electric motor structure, the interior provides space for a luxury model on the roof of a compact model.

• The BMW i Vision Circular’s light gold surfaces are not painted, but are made from recycled anodized aluminium. The tire at the rear of the car shows a seductive interplay of blue and violet surfaces, created by the heating process applied to the steel.

• The finishing processes used for individual surfaces give them a premium look, while allowing for optimum recycling.

• Slightly transparent tires are made of certified sustainable natural rubber. Colored recycled rubber particles were added to the compound for reinforcement; These also create an intriguing effect that emphasizes the reuse of materials.

• The wheels are designed with minimal use of materials in mind. The maximum openness of the wheels ensures good cooling of the brakes, while the more closed surfaces at the rims ensure optimal aerodynamics.

• All display surfaces and lighting functions at the rear are invisibly integrated into the darkened glass tailgate, following the same approach as at the front. When the car is switched off, only the 2D BMW logo appears on the darkened glass surface.

• A simple and aerodynamic black bumper – made from recycled visible plastic – complements the design of the rear.

• The interior of the BMW i Vision Circular demonstrates what will be possible in the future in terms of roundness and deliberate choice of materials – and the impressive design that can result.

• New monomers and clever bonding technologies, which make the use of glue unnecessary, ensure components are well suited for end-of-life disassembly and sorting. To reduce the amount of waste and production waste, all components and materials will be made exactly to size using processes such as 3D printing. Excess material will be systematically returned to the material cycle.

• The light and attractive interior welcomes the driver and front passenger with a great sense of spaciousness. A glass roof with a far rear windshield edge gives front seat occupants the feeling of being in the open air.

• Two separate chairs with integrated headrests create an exclusive atmosphere. The cover is made of recycled plastic and housed in a light gold-tone aluminum frame.

• The back of the front seats is made of recycled plastic with a terrazzo finish. The “Joyful Fusion” quick-release fastener ensures that metal and fabric can be easily separated, sorted, and then reused.

• The driving experience in the BMW i Vision Circular will be further enhanced by in-vehicle intelligence and sensors that interact with occupants.

• The traditional dashboard has been replaced with a next-generation user interface. The heart is made of a 3D printed crystal sculpture, which responds to hand movements with stunning light effects.

• Crystal sculpture surrounded by naturally treated wood from certified sources. Metal elements in anodized recycled aluminum and in gold and bronze connect the dashboard to the A-pillars. Here, too, “Joyful Fusion” quick-fasteners allow for quick and easy disassembly.

• The expected information area is usually located in the center information display above the dashboard, under the windshield. This windshield has been turned into a source of information and made the other displays inside unnecessary.

• The steering wheel rim is 3D printed from wood powder and feels natural and warm. Funky vertical ribs in gold and bronze add a modern touch. The steering wheel also has a backlit crystal front and screens matching those on the dashboard.

• The spacious, slightly raised rear seats provide excellent comfort for two with soft side bolsters. Headrests look like cushions and speakers placed underneath turn each seat into an individual sound zone.

• The attractive jacquard woven fabric for the rear seats is made from 100% recycled materials. The rear seat is framed in an anodized aluminum frame, finished in golden bronze. The fabric and frame are held in place by a cord, which can also be easily detached when the sofa needs to be taken apart.

• The deep pile floor covering used in the car is made of 100% recycled plastic.

• In the C-pillar, the BMW iX glass iDrive console is given a second life as a lamp.

• The sound design for the BMW i Vision Circular is the work of composer Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound BMW Group. Makes the car’s circularity audible. Each tone reflects the motions of the exterior structures, interior parts, materials, lighting, and visual animation.

• In addition to all the material and design innovations, the BMW i Vision Circular also offers the option of using the vehicle in a vehicle-to-netted scenario. For example, a car can act as a mobile energy store and power its surroundings, such as buildings and infrastructure.

• Another important measure towards sustainable urban mobility is the intelligent use of available real-time and long-term traffic data to achieve maximum efficiency. When sensor data and information collected from individual cars are shared with the entire fleet (with user consent), all cars will benefit from the resulting ‘swarm intelligence’.

• Speed ​​recommendations can be improved to make better use of eg “green waves”. Traffic flows can be better predicted and congestion reduced thanks to cars communicating with each other and with the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions from intermittent traffic or by finding a parking space can also be significantly reduced in this way.

• The BMW i Insights Vision application uses augmented reality to demonstrate the many individual solutions of the BMW i Vision Circular and the benefits of the conceptual model.