An EV of tiny size with big dreams.
BMW will be displaying a variety of vehicles at the IAA Motor Show this year in Munich. We’ve seen some cars before, including the iX SUV and the i4 sedan. The BMW i Vision Circular concept will be on display in Munich alongside the production EVs and hydrogen prototypes. It’s quite adorable.
The BMW i Vision Circular is a compact EV that can seat four people. It was designed for 2040. The design is 100 percent recyclable and focuses on luxury and sustainability. BMW claims that a battery made from materials from the “recycling circle” achieves a higher energy density and does not drain valuable resources by using them.
The i Vision Circular concept is a new approach to BMW’s current language in design. The trademark kidney grilles of the brand are still in place, with the headlights embedded into the grille fixtures at every corner and unique LED accents throughout the grille. The vehicle’s length is extended by the windshield and roof. The wheels are a match for the grille and headlight design. The rear end has a similar design and a single LED lightbar.
BMW calls the interior “new joining techniques” and it uses unique materials. For example, the 3D printing of the dash reduces glue use and creates an original one-piece design with embedded Crystal materials. Instead of a touchscreen at the center of your dash, the information is located on the instrument panel at bottom of the windshield.
These four lounge seats are also unique. These four lounge seats are made from recycled plastic and come in a lavender-colored bucket. They’re all held together by a light-gold aluminum frame. The steering wheel was even 3D-printed with a special wood powder.
The BMW i Vision Circular design won’t be made into production. At least, not soon. Maybe in 2040. BMW will likely use some of these recycling techniques in its future models, however.