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(from BMW Press
Release) The future promises even greater agility: The
BMW i3 Concept Coupe.
The world premiere of
the BMW i3 Concept Coupe sees the BMW Group unveil a particularly
nimble and emotive version of its concept for sustainable
premium-class motoring with zero local emissions. The study
presented at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show has been brought out in
parallel to the ongoing development process for getting the first
ever all-electric model from the BMW i brand ready for series
production, and demonstrates the potential for conceivably extending
the model range. The state-of-the-art, clean-cut and open design
showcased by the BMW i3 Concept Coupe represents a pioneering form
of urban mobility that makes sustainability awareness an intrinsic
part of the premium profile. Beyond this, the three-door model
employs the design idiom that has been created especially for the
BMW i cars to convey an undeniable sense of dynamism and driving
pleasure.
The carbon-fibre body’s
visual impact is largely shaped by the gracefully flowing coupe roof
line and the fresh interpretation of the BMW i “stream flow” design
that can be seen in the side window styling, and gives an instant
impression of lightness, transparency and streamlined aerodynamic
qualities. On the inside, the sense of spaciousness typical of the
BMW i brand is combined with an exclusive lounge-style ambience in
the two individual rear seats. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe furthermore
assumes the title of the world’s first fully networked electric
vehicle. Thanks to the inclusion of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive
functions that have been devised by BMW i for use in production
vehicles, operation of the navigation system as well as the
information transfer between the vehicle, the outside world and the
driver’s smartphone has been geared towards the specific
requirements of e-mobility.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe
sharply focuses the spotlight on the dynamic performance that can be
achieved with the purely electric version of the BMW eDrive
technology. Like the BMW i3 Concept, the Coupe is also propelled by
an electric motor developed by the BMW Group, which develops a
maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250 Newton metres
(184 lb-ft), and channels its instantaneous power delivery to the
rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The electric motor
draws its energy from the lithium-ion storage cells under the floor.
Positioning the battery units here has the effect of lowering the
centre of gravity considerably, which further adds to the vehicle’s
sensationally agile handling.
The LifeDrive concept
for the BMW i vehicle architecture is instrumental in enabling a
brand new vehicle character to be married so harmoniously with BMW
eDrive, a technology that is already nearing production standard.
The horizontally split construction consisting of two self-contained
elements intrinsically focuses on the technical requirements of the
electric drive train, and helps to produce a design concept, sense
of spaciousness and driving experience that are unique to BMW i
cars.
The passenger cell forms
the core of the Life module, which is built from carbon fibre-reinforced
plastic (CFRP). BMW i is scaling new heights for automotive
engineering by making such extensive use of this high-tech material.
Because it is extremely light yet very strong too, CFRP opens up
tremendous scope for design and therefore has all the right
credentials for translating the inimitable and unmistakable BMW i
design idiom into a wide array of variants. On the BMW i3 Concept
Coupé, the drive system, chassis and energy storage unit, along with
the structural and crash functions, are once again incorporated into
the Drive module that is made chiefly of aluminium.
Measuring 3,964
millimetres in length, 1,768 wide and 1,555 high, the BMW i3 Concept
Coupe can be noted for its highly individual proportions. When
compared directly to the BMW i3 Concept, the new study has a
broader, lower-slung look that serves to highlight its agile nature
at first glance. The wheelbase, on the other hand, is unchanged from
that of the standard BMW i3 at 2,570 millimetres.
Body design: LifeDrive
architecture sporting new look and colour scheme.
Transferring the design
idiom developed specifically for BMW i cars to a coupe concept has
resulted in a body whose styling smacks of fun at the wheel while
still plainly signalling sustainable mobility. The BMW i3 Concept
Coupe’s looks let the brand values of efficiency, lightness, safety
and premium quality clearly shine through, along with the study’s
distinctly dynamic bias. The exterior surfaces and colour scheme are
structured in such a way as to visualise the basic construction
defined by the LifeDrive architecture. The principle of overlapping
levels known as “layering” serves to symbolise the harmonious
interaction between the striking construction and design elements of
the Life and Drive modules, as well as providing the basis for a
transparency in the vehicle design that reinforces the concept’s
sustainability. For instance, the structure of the carbon-fibre
material employed in the Life module can be clearly seen in the
entrance area and the roof pillars when the door is opened. It is
here, as the two-dimensional CFRP laminate typically used for
load-bearing elements comes into view, that the material’s
composition becomes particularly apparent.
The bodywork panels
around the wheel arches, doors and rear sidewalls are painted in
Solar Orange metallic, a warm shade bursting with energy that was
created especially for the BMW i3 Concept Coupe. It forms an
electrifying contrast with the high-gloss black finish on the
bonnet, roof and boot lid, as well as with the body’s black lower
edge.
The front apron includes
black embedded elements designed to create an air curtain effect
that carefully directs the airflow in the vicinity of the wheel
arches. The rear apron’s lower section incorporates a diffuser
component to optimise flow conditions towards the rear of the
vehicle’s underside. The licence plate holder features a narrow
border in Solar Orange, while the U-shaped rear light clusters are
integrated into the rear window, just as they are on the BMW i3
Concept. Contrasting touches of Frozen Grey matt for the BMW kidney
grille and the sill lines along the sides are specific to this model
and add to its visual appearance. The brand emblems in Stream Blue
at the front and rear and on the wheel hubs are characteristic BMW i
features.
Innovative coupe lines spell pure
driving pleasure.
A steeply raked
windscreen that extends a long way forward and a roof line that
descends gently into the vehicle’s tail are the defining features of
the BMW i3 Concept Coupe silhouette. The long doors with frameless
windows also have a typical coupe feel to them. The specific way in
which a CFRP passenger cell is constructed means there is no need
for a B-pillar. Not only does this facilitate access to the rear
seats, it gives extra impact to the dynamic flow of lines visible in
the window styling.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe
includes a fresh interpretation of the brand’s hallmark “stream
flow” design for the side window contours between the doors and the
C-pillars. As a result of the enclosed body concept around the doors
and the rear sidewalls, the ratio between the body’s basic structure
and the window area is clearly marked by the shoulder line. The
latest version of the window outline tapers sharply towards the
rear, once again putting clear emphasis on the vehicle’s excellent
aerodynamic properties. The upper and lower edges are spaced
particularly far apart on the BMW i3 Concept Coupe, producing an
enlarged window area at the rear. This means that, in contrast to
conventional coupes, passengers in the rear compartment are able to
enjoy a remarkable sense of spaciousness and feel far more involved
in the driving experience.
The highly distinctive
and dynamic view of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe in profile is completed
by the gently rising swage line on a level with the door openers, as
well as a striking character line that produces an intriguing
interplay between light and shade just above the side sills. The
exterior mirrors also sport a design that’s specific to this model,
with black mirror bases and caps in Solar Orange metallic that pick
up on the body’s overall colour scheme. 20-inch light-alloy wheels
in double-spoke design further intensify the car’s sporting aura. As
is customary for BMW i models, they are shod with comparatively
narrow, reduced rolling-resistance tyres measuring 155/60 R20 at the
front and 175/55 R20 at the rear.
All in all, the even
more purist interpretation of the design idiom compared to the BMW
i3 Concept, coupled with the more horizontal focus of the exterior’s
styling, highlights the car’s enhanced aerodynamic properties. The
BMW i3 Concept Coupe therefore epitomises the future of urban
mobility, at the same time as instilling it with a distinct sense of
sportiness and emotional appeal.
Interior: inviting, spacious,
clear-cut and inspiring.
Individual styling and
material selection ensure that the brand’s trademark principles of
sustainability, lightness and transparency are applied to genuine
effect in the interior design of BMW i models, too. The interior of
the BMW i3 Concept Coupe illustrates how the cockpit design has
evolved as it is readied for series production, while at the same
time creating an individual ambience that fits in with the concept
of a sporty three-door car. The layering structure employed for the
exterior once again underpins the arrangement of the function
elements and controls, while a mixture of leather, wood, wool and
other renewable raw materials ensures that the car’s premium
characteristics, including the new aspect of sustainability, can be
both plainly seen and felt.
The freestanding
steering column’s two-part design with its light and graceful feel
is further accentuated by the colour scheme. All supporting elements
are finished in a light grey colour, whereas the steering wheel’s
outer grip areas and all controls are coloured black. Besides the
display that acts as the instrument cluster and the control stalks
for the direction indicators and windscreen wipers, the steering
column is also home to the electronic gearshift lever and the
Start-Stop button.
Above the steering column and behind the instrument cluster, there
is a horizontally mounted wooden panel that spans the full width of
the interior in a dynamic sweep. Sourced from certified sustainably
managed European forests and treated using natural materials, the
light eucalyptus wood adds a real touch of class, and is made all
the more noticeable by the contrast with the black, three
dimensionally shaped controls. The control panels on either side of
the steering column are bordered by brushed aluminium accent strips.
The sweeping design of the eucalyptus wood panel is echoed by the
contour of the armrests in the doors, meaning that the driver and
front passenger are encircled by a series of harmoniously styled
surfaces.
At the cockpit’s centre,
the bottom of the dashboard terminates in a flat control panel that
is angled slightly towards the driver and is used to operate the
climate control and audio functions as well as housing the favourite
buttons for the iDrive system. The iDrive Controller and direct menu
control buttons are located on the centre console between the driver
and front passenger on a level with the seat cushions. The BMW i3
Concept Coupe has also kept the area between the dashboard and seat
cushions completely clear across the cockpit’s entire width. Its
particular drive concept, furthermore, dispenses with the need for
the transmission tunnel normally found on conventional vehicles,
resulting in a completely open space connecting the left and right
footwells. Not only does this create an impression of roominess, it
can be of practical benefit, too, as it allows the driver to easily
swap to the front passenger seat and get out on that side – a real
boon, for example, when using city-centre parking spots so tight
that the driver’s door cannot be opened.
Sustainability blended with
sophistication: surfaces made from
renewable resources and naturally treated materials.
The manually adjustable
seats with integrated head restraints that were specially designed
for the BMW i3 Concept Coupe are upholstered in a blend of
warm-toned textured wool yarn and a cool-looking monofilament
material. The elegant, sporty colour scheme’s light grey tones also
reflect the sustainable character of the natural materials. The door
support panels made from anthracite-coloured kenaf fibre are
perfectly in keeping with this, and also blend harmoniously with the
doors’ leather trim panels. The leather adorning the interior of the
BMW i3 Concept Coupe is treated using natural products exclusively,
with an extract from the leaves of the olive tree serving as the
tanning agent.
There are two individual seats in the rear of the BMW i3 Concept
Coupe where passengers are able to savour a whole new form of
motoring comfort in a lounge-style ambience. The seat backrests both
curve outwards prominently to form a seamless connection with the
rear panelling. Whereas the seating position engenders a feeling of
security, the windows – which are exceptionally large for the rear
of a coupe – make passengers there feel more part of the driving
experience. After tilting the front seat backrests forwards, getting
in and out of the rear is facilitated by leather-trimmed grab
handles that double as belt feeders for the driver and front
passenger.
Display and control concept
featuring the very latest display technology.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe
comes with two top-class displays, which provide the interfaces for
the exchange of information between vehicle and driver and for
operating the infotainment and communications functions. Information
that can help to make driving a more comfortable, efficient and safe
experience is flashed up in the displays. The navigation system,
meanwhile, is networked with the outside world via BMW i
ConnectedDrive.
Information is
visualised in the form of three-dimensional, high-resolution
graphics depicted in the reduced style typical of the BMW i brand.
The task of the instrument cluster is assumed by a 6.5 inch (16.5
centimetre) screen positioned on the steering column, where all
driving-related information appears in digital form. The second
display in the centre of the dashboard is positioned at exactly the
same height for perfect legibility. With a screen diagonal of 8.8
inches (22.4 centimetres), it enables detailed graphics to be
reproduced, just like the central information display in BMW
production cars. This screen is used, for instance, to display the
functions of the navigation system including the BMW i
ConnectedDrive services. The information provided by the functions
familiar from BMW ConnectedDrive is likewise shown here. This
central information display also serves to keep the driver and front
passenger fully informed of the vehicle’s status and the drive
system’s operating mode.
The two displays have
been designed to interact in such a way that the information shown
is distributed between the two screens as the situation dictates. In
the case of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe, their interaction is best
illustrated by a typical urban mobility scenario. When the car is
started, the instrument cluster springs to life first. It signals
that the vehicle is ready to start with a welcome sequence whose
animation spreads to the central information display. In the
meantime, the system has already connected to the drive’s smartphone
and is showing current calendar entries. Shortly afterwards the
driver receives a text message with the agreed venue for his
meeting. The address data are automatically used to generate a
navigation destination, which then appears on the central
information display. The driver learns that his destination is
within the vehicle’s range and he is advised to recharge the car
there. Shortly before arrival at the destination, various charging
stations in the vicinity are displayed and the driver is offered the
option of booking one of them. He confirms and books the nearest
one. During the journey the driver can also find out about the
restaurant he is heading for as well as listening to personal
playlists. On arrival, the driver hooks the vehicle up to the
charging station. The illustration of the different functions is
rounded off by an animated charging graphic that appears on both
displays when recharging the battery.
COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+:
three driving modes for the ideal mix
of driving pleasure and efficiency.
The range covered by
vehicles with an all-electric drive is very much dependent on
driving style, just as fuel consumption is in conventionally powered
cars. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe helps the driver to optimise
efficiency by choosing an appropriate vehicle set-up. The Driving
Experience Control switch on the centre console can be used to
select the three driving modes, COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+. The
sportiness and comfort of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be best
experienced in the standard COMFORT setting. ECO PRO mode places the
focus more on economical energy management for an increased range
and even cleaner performance. The accelerator mapping is modified,
for example, so that the same pedal travel delivers less power. At
the same time, the heating and air conditioning are switched into a
more energy-efficient operating mode. Changing from COMFORT to ECO
PRO mode can extend the vehicle’s range by as much as 20 per cent.
Efficiency can be
boosted yet further in ECO PRO+ mode, which is designed to do
everything possible to maximise driving range. So, not only is the
accelerator mapping modified, maximum speed is also limited to 90
km/h (56 mph). Comfort functions such as the heating and air
conditioning are furthermore run at the minimum level required to
prevent the windows from misting up, for instance. Electrical
consumers like the seat heating, mirror heating and non-essential
components of the daytime running lights are even switched off
completely. As a result of all this, more miles can be added to the
vehicle’s range.
Total networking thanks to BMW i
ConnectedDrive with specific functions.
The BMW eDrive system
fitted in the BMW i3 Concept Coupe is designed to allow the vehicle
to cover a distance of around 160 kilometres (100 miles) on a full
battery charge before it has to be plugged into a charging station
again. This range comfortably allows it to be used for more than
just urban mobility.
Thanks to the BMW i
ConnectedDrive services that were purpose-developed for electric
mobility applications powered by BMW eDrive technology, the driver
receives realistic estimates of his vehicle’s current range, which
can be viewed even before setting off. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe
therefore assumes the title of the world’s first fully networked
electric vehicle.
Precise, reliable, realistic:
driving range display in the navigation system
with BMW i ConnectedDrive services.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe
is equipped with a navigation system featuring BMW i ConnectedDrive
services. Both the navigation system and the BMW i ConnectedDrive
services have been carefully tailored to the specific demands of
electric mobility. Apart from the route guidance function, the
system also offers drivers assistance with their mobility
requirements that extends beyond just the journey planning. One of
the key elements of the networked navigation unit is a dynamic range
display, which delivers precise, reliable readings by factoring in
all relevant variables.
The battery’s charge
status, driving style, activity of electric comfort functions and
the selected driving mode are all taken into account for the
calculation, along with the route’s topography and current traffic
levels. The system is therefore able to make allowance for the extra
energy used up for both an upcoming climb and stop/start traffic or
traffic jams, and lowers its range calculation accordingly.
Up-to-the-minute and detailed real-time traffic data is also added
to the equation. The information is analysed and evaluated centrally
by the BMW ConnectedDrive server that stays in permanent
communication with the vehicle thanks to its built-in SIM card. The
SIM card’s fixed installation ensures an optimum connection at all
times throughout the vehicle’s life.
The dynamic range
display is visualised on the vehicle’s central information display
not only as a figure but also as a peripheral contour within the
navigation map. Taking the vehicle’s current location as a starting
point, all points that can be reached with the available energy
reserves are joined up to form a peripheral contour. Since the
driver is able to actively influence the vehicle’s energy
consumption and therefore its range by switching the driving mode,
the graphical representation of the range calculation is always made
available in two variants, allowing the driver to view the relevant
current range regardless of whether the COMFORT, ECO PRO or ECO PRO+
mode is selected.
When route guidance is
activated, the driver is given a precise and true-to-reality
indication of whether the destination is within range and how much
energy he has to spare. The most efficient route is also shown as an
alternative to the fastest. If necessary, the Range Assistant will
even recommend changing to ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode in order to
increase the range. This function clearly demonstrates the
interaction between the tailored route guidance for electric
vehicles from BMW i ConnectedDrive and the special energy management
from Efficient Dynamics.
If desired, the driver
is able to call up a charging station near to his destination and
reserve it with another push of a button. The system additionally
notifies him of the charging time required before commencing the
return journey or the onward journey to the next destination. The
wealth of functions offered by the navigation system with BMW i
ConnectedDrive services makes it possible to plan out journeys using
electric power alone with supreme precision, reliability and
convenience.
Intelligent networking simplifies mobility planning: a smartphone
app with eRemote function developed by BMW ConnectedDrive for BMW i.
The mobility planning
information provided is made available on the customer’s smartphone
as well as in the vehicle courtesy of a smartphone app for the iOS
and Android operating systems which was specially developed for BMW
i. The app is a further development of the eRemote functions from
BMW ConnectedDrive and offers the driver constant access to the
vehicle data and relevant route planning information. Thanks to this
intelligent networking, customers are able to check the vehicle’s
status or plan out upcoming journeys in the BMW i3 Concept Coupe
from the comfort of their office or even over breakfast.
If the vehicle is
plugged into a public charging station or the BMW i wallbox, the
charging procedure can be controlled both remotely and via a timer
function. The range display shown in the BMW i navigation system can
also be viewed on the smartphone in exactly the same format as in
the vehicle. The BMW i app can additionally be used to search for
and select either a navigation destination or a free charging
station and then import it to the vehicle’s system. Available
charging stations are indicated in both the navigation unit and the
BMW i app, which also show whether the stations are currently free.
When the customer leaves
the vehicle at the journey’s end, he can furthermore use the
pedestrian navigation function built into the BMW i app to guide him
to his final destination. For this, the navigation destination
selected by the driver in the vehicle is automatically transferred
to the BMW i app via the BMW ConnectedDrive server.
The route planning
function that was specially developed for BMW i and the specific
requirements of urban centres also includes local public transport
networks, allowing the available transport connections to be taken
into account if required. This gives the driver the option of
selecting an intermodal route in his BMW i car, whereupon he is
first directed to a public car park by the navigation system. After
leaving his vehicle, he now uses the BMW i app to guide him first to
the correct bus or tram stop and then on to his destination while
completing the final leg of the journey on foot.
In addition to this, BMW
i also offers pioneering mobility services that can be incorporated
into the customer’s mobility planning. These include the premium
car-sharing service DriveNow, which has been available in Germany
since 2011 and, since September 2012, in San Francisco as well. It
was here that the ParkNow facility was also introduced as a world
first, enabling parking spaces to be booked via a smartphone app.
ParkNow and other services are provided to the customer via BMW
ConnectedDrive and made available to use in the navigation system.
