German automaker BMW has once again raised the bar in automotive innovation with the introduction of a groundbreaking prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022) in Las Vegas. The company revealed the BMW i Vision Dee, a car designed to redefine the driving experience through a fusion of cutting-edge technology and sleek design.
At the heart of this revolutionary concept lies the ability for owners to change the vehicle’s color in mere seconds, thanks to advanced color-change technology. Unlike its predecessor, which offered a limited range of color options, the I Vision Dee boasts the capability to transform its exterior into a spectrum of 32 different colors, from solid hues to dynamic patterns like stripes or checks.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the BMW i Vision Dee integrates digital features that elevate the driving experience to new heights. The vehicle showcases a futuristic dashboard that projects driving data directly onto the windshield, providing essential information such as speed and direction within the driver’s line of sight.
“The headlights and the closed BMW kidney grille also form a common phygital (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different facial expressions,” the automaker said in a news release. “This means the BMW i Vision Dee can talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually.”
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Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW, emphasized the significance of the i Vision Dee in shaping the future of automotive technology. He stated, “BMW i Vision Dee shows what’s possible when hardware and software are combined. This allows us to exploit the full potential of digitalization to transform the car into an intelligent companion.”
The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience, underscoring BMW’s commitment to creating a deeper connection between drivers and their vehicles. The concept car offers a glimpse into a future where augmented reality images are seamlessly integrated into the driving experience, blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds. According to interesting Engineering, Dee is “phygital” and can talk back to you.
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Frank Weber, the member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for development, highlighted the personalized nature of the i Vision Dee. He stated, “A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about the perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences.”
One of the most striking aspects of the i Vision Dee is its ability to communicate with users on a human level. Through innovative technology, the vehicle can project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window, creating a personalized welcome scenario. Additionally, the car’s headlights and grille form a common icon, allowing it to express various emotions visually.
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group design director, told Wired: “Augmented reality is something that’s not just interesting, but actually helpful for driver orientation. You can focus on the road ahead of you, and the information you need will be seemingly projected onto the road. What we’re showing in this Vision car is a new technology that allows you to use the entire width of the windscreen.”
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While the I Vision Dee remains a concept car for now, BMW’s commitment to innovation suggests that elements of its design and technology could shape future production models. With a focus on digital integration and personalized experiences, BMW aims to redefine the driving landscape for years to come.
As BMW paves the way for the next generation of automobiles, questions arise regarding the acceptance and viability of its futuristic features. While some may embrace the integration of augmented reality and virtual assistants, others may remain skeptical. However, BMW remains steadfast in its belief that the future of driving lies in embracing digitalization and innovation.
