“Hi, my name is DEE,” a voice came out from a mid-sized sedan. It was the BMW i Vision DEE.
“The car just winked at me”, someone exclaimed excitedly.
Taking a closer look at the car, it is evidently something out of this world.
The BMW i Vision DEE is BMW Group Asia’s vision of the future digital experience and latest vision vehicle. As part of the BMW Joy Electrified, Singapore saw a glimpse into BMW’s future with the Vision DEE at Suntec City Atrium on July 27 to 30.
Standing for ‘Digital Emotional Experience’, the BMW i Vision DEE is a futuristic mid-sized sedan that aims to strengthen the bond between driver and car. Through the use of phygital (physical plus digital) icons, a personalised welcome scenario can be set combining graphics, light, and sound.
Managing Director of BMW Group Asia Lars Nielsen said, “The future of the BMW Group is electric, circular and digital.
“The electric future is clearly visible through our range of BMW i vehicles that have been launched, such as the BMW iX, i7 and iX3, and those that will be launched in the coming years.”
The BMW i Vision Circular that was showcased in 2021, said Lars, represents the BMW Group’s project to become the most sustainable manufacturer for individual premium mobility.
“The BMW i Vision DEE, which we are thrilled to showcase for the first time in Southeast Asia, exemplifies the full potential of digitalisation that will transform the car into an intelligent companion.
Lars added that it demonstrates what is possible when hardware and software merge, and is about the perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences.
A closer examination of Vision DEE shows headlights and a closed grille that allows it to produce different facial expressions. Hence, the winking effect.
This means that the BMW i Vision Dee is able to talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually. The vehicle can also project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalise the welcome scenario.
The body surface of the BMW i Vision DEE, although mostly white, is however divided into 240 E Ink segments, each of which is controlled individually, allowing an almost infinite variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds.
The laser cutting process used to trim the films and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink.
The adaptation of this technology for curved surfaces and the programming of the animations, were developed by BMW Group’s in-house engineers – enabling a form of customisation that is unique throughout the automotive sector worldwide.
It was unfortunate that the unit on display in Singapore does not come with a full-colour version of the E Ink technology, but its closed BMW kidney grille can alternate its colour between black and white which was amazing to see with one’s own eyes.
Inside is the highlight of the BMW i Vision DEE, namely the BMW Head-Up-Display, projected across the entire width of the windscreen, allowing information to be displayed on the largest possible surface – only becoming recognisable as a display once it is activated.
In this way, the BMW Group Asia demonstrates the huge potential of projection technology and the BMW i Vision DEE visualises how an advanced Head-Up-Display could also be utilised in the future for the display and operating concept.
“The purpose of this showcase is not to show a new car, or a new design that you will see in the future, (but) to show the level of technology that we put in BMWs to interact with its users in the years to come,” said Senior Product Specialist at BMW Group Asia Mourad Boumizy.
Approaching the car, sensor at the bottom of the door seals will detect individuals and project their avatar onto the side even before they enter the vehicle, explained Mourad.
“I have the capability to engage with DEE and effortlessly exchange details about my schedule using natural language.”
This marks a departure from the prevailing technological paradigm, where one needs to initiate communication with phrases like ‘hi, BMW’, followed by a specific query.
With this advancement, the Senior Product Specialist said interactions occur in a conversational manner, akin to chatting with a companion. The overarching concept is for the automobile to evolve into a futuristic digital friend, seamlessly integrated into one’s life.
Within the confines of the automobile, our attention is immediately drawn to the central masterpiece, undoubtedly the standout feature of this vehicle. Presenting the head-up display, Mourad said that it is the true focal point and likely the most prominent highlight of the car.
Unlike the traditional liquid-crystal display (LCD) commonly found in vehicles, this innovation takes centre stage by projecting images directly onto the windshield, which brings an immersive encounter that seamlessly blend essential data, such as speed and navigation.
This enhancement ensures that your focus remains steadfast on the road, hands securely on the steering wheel, creating an unparalleled driving experience that distinctly embodies the essence of BMW.
“You can also go from this basic experience to a completely riveting experience where you have your social media feeds, you have a full projection on the windshield. This is something that we will see in the future on BMWs in one form or another.”
Mourad, however, said to keep in mind that this is a visionary automobile. It’s important to note that this isn’t a car meant for production; rather, it serves as a glimpse into the potential direction of the BMW line-up in the times ahead.
Currently, the vision vehicle is touring the globe with Singapore as its fourth pit stop after previous showcases in Germany, the United States and China. – Adib Noor
