BMW is coming up with an innovative SUV concept that lets owners change their car’s color with just a button.

It unveiled a concept vehicle called BMW iX Flow on Jan 5th. The iX Flow is inspired by the electric iX SUV launched in 2021. It is embedded with electrophoretic technology that changes colors from black to white or mixes both black and white to form a kaleidoscope of colors across its body.

“The car dresses you, it expresses you—not just from the inside but from the outside—so we have tried to create a technology and adapted it to the car that allows you to do that,” said Senior Vice President of electronics at BMW group, Christoph Grote.

“The challenge is not so much the technology but how to apply it to the car. The special thing with the car is: How do you shape it into a three-dimensional surface? So they’re laser cutting it into a three-dimensional curved screen,” he added.

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BMW partnered with a company called E-Ink to develop this color-changing technology. E-Ink was established in 1997. The company offered its services to companies like Sony and Amazon, where it developed technology used in commercial displays and Kindles.

E-Ink used the wrap technique to switch the car’s color. The wrap consists of different colors that cover the entire surface of the car. When the wrap combines with electrical signals, the hue gets changed.

“For us, digitalization is about the total experience, and emotions that can be created with it,” said the Head of BMW Group design, Van Hooydonk.

The color-changing technology on the iX Flow, which has not been confirmed for production, is part of BMW Group Design’s mission to build “human-centric” goods that engage all senses, according to Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. BMW has said that by 2025, it would invest €30 billion ($34 billion) on future-oriented technology.

Virtual Debuts for New Technology

E-Ink was unveiled by BMW at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Due to an increase in new coronavirus cases, the business postponed a full programme of in-person events at the annual technology expo in favour of virtual reveals webcast from Munich. Mercedes-Benz, Amazon, Meta, and Lenovo, among others, have cancelled their intentions to visit the convention.

Immersive Experiences for car lover

BMW created the E-Ink as one of numerous innovative technologies to immerse users in individualised digital experiences both inside and outside of its vehicles. One of the “My Modes,” which will be available in the second half of 2022, will display digital artwork within the car’s interior, while another will increase entertainment in the back. Customizable noises and digital patterns strewn around the car distinguish the Expressive and Relax modes. The result sounds comparable to “Energizing” comfort technology and “Warmth” modes that Mercedes-Benz has provided in many of its luxury vehicles; BMW executives say theirs are different and must be experienced to be appreciated.

Cover Image: BMW Blog