Art Center graduate envisions the BMW “i” of the future

New Designers 19 Jun 2014

For his bachelor thesis at Art Center, Chris Lee developed a line of concept cars envisioning a possible evolution of the BMW “i” sub-brand in both the short and long term.

For this project, Chris (Chung kyo) Lee developed five different vehicles: the first three – named i6, i7 and i2 – showcase a short term approach, envisioning new line-up additions in the next ten to twenty year period and focusing on brand image development.

The other two – called iQ and iS – demonstrate a long term approach and can therefore be seen as “visionary concepts” that could shape the brand in the future.

BMW i6 Concept

The i6 would be the third vehicle to join the lineup after the i3 and i8. This mid-size vehicle strengthens the brands design values as well as evolve the design language.

The most apparent design feature is the use of the blackbelt in a more functional way.

BMW i7 Concept

The flagship of the “i” sub-brand is the first vehicle from the lineup to feature a fully autonomous driving experience.

Consequentely, the emphasis was put on the interior to explore new opportunities enabled by the autonomous driving system.

BMW i2 Concept

i2- the most compact sports vehicle from the lineup, this compact vehicle has a new driving experience, the blackbelt now runs completely over and underneath the car creating a transparent floor.

This allows the driver and passenger to see the racing lines go under the vehicle and also gives a floating or flying sensation, almost as if flying a fighter jet.

BMW iQ Concept

iQ- , Q standing for Quantum technology, allows a new suscription based ownership of the vehicle. Using quantum levitation the “Life Drive” concept of BMW i is now phsycially seperated into two compenents, the “Drive” technology is shared between its users whereas the “Life” cabin can be kept.

This new suscription based ownership could be an answer to how the BMW i brand could maintain its leadership role as the most efficient and progressive mobility brand.

This allows several benefits, by having the “Drive” technology platform shared between users, the platform will be 90% in used, cutting down on the number of parked cars on the street, as well as verticlaly stacking the “Life” cabins to eliminate large parking structures.

The iQ is also designed to use existing infrastrucuture such as sharing maglev train tracks magnetic rails for mobility.

BMW iS Concept

iS – The iS was designed for the way out future, imagining what mobility would be like in enviornments such as space or hazardous places.

The design theme is an evolution from the iQ where the seperation of the “Life” cockpit and “Drive” train is kept.

Because on environments such as space or mountainous terrain require a more versatile mobility, the iS is equiped not with conventional wheels but more of a mobility “arm” which was greatly inspired by nature and how seeds use stored energy for dispertion.

This project was also presented at the 2013 LA Design challenge.