BMW transforms smart cars with 'zero gravity' and sounds designed by hans zimmer

BMW has presented its visionary approaches to creating the mobility experience of the future at CES 2020. summed up by the hashtag #changeyourperception, BMW is exhibiting an imaginative duo of driverless vehicles and a zero-gravity lounger concept.

live from las vegas: designboom is covering all the latest launches from CES 2020 from the trade show grounds. stay connected for the future of technology as it debuts.

images courtesy of BMW

the BMW i interaction EASE utilizes augmented reality to keep the passenger engaged. at the front of the cabin, a panorama head-up display spans the entire width of the front-end windscreen. it imposes a second, digital layer of information over the real-world view, and acts as an immersive augmented-reality user interface. using 5G connectivity, it can show additional information on the windscreen that is tailored to the situation at hand and the vehicle’s surroundings.

the self-driving i interaction EASE

it features an ‘ease’ mode that transforms the vehicle into a place of calm and relaxation when activated. it does so by moving the seat into a ‘zero-gravity’ position, in which the occupant feels as if they are almost floating.

the self-driving i interaction EASE

‘the BMW i interaction EASE demonstrates what mobility might feel like in the future once autonomous driving becomes commonplace: luxurious, human, and intuitive,’ says adrian van hooydonk, senior vice president BMW group design. ‘passengers start their journey with the feeling of having already arrived.’

the interaction EASE’s ‘ease’ mode darkens the cabin for relaxation

the BMW intelligent personal assistant darkens the panorama head-up display and makes the surfaces at the sides opaque. at the same time, ambient lighting bathes the interior in a soothing glow, while a harmonious composition of pleasant sounds designed with award-winning composer hans zimmer spreads through the cabin.

another highlight of CES 2020 is the BMW X7 ZeroG lounger, offering the first fully personalised recline and relax experience in a BMW model. when the seat is in the reclined position the passenger can enjoy the in-car entertainment programme on a screen built into the headliner.

the ZeroG lounger

the luxurious seat can be tilted back by 40 or 60 degrees into a comfortable reclined position. with the belt built into the seat, the ZeroG lounger meets all the requisite safety standards. it adjusts to suit the reclined position and a cocoon airbag provides wraparound protection for the occupant, ensuring maximum safety in the event of an accident.

the third highlight on display at the show is the BMW i3 urban suite, which is designed to offer a mobility experience tailored precisely to the passenger’s needs. aiming to recreate the ambience of a boutique hotel, it comes complete with a side table and a touch-activated lamp. the interior of the car features lounge chairs, generous legroom and a special sound zone allowing passengers to shut out all noise from the outside world.

it has a particular focus on sustainability, encompassing the powertrain with zero local emissions, the careful selection of materials and the production processes involved. recycled materials have therefore been used in the fabrics, together with certified wood, olive-tanned leather and floor mats made from recyclable materials that can be fed back into the materials cycle, as per circular economy principles.