BMW has revealed a concept with a real focus on sustainability.
Called the BMW i Vision Circular, it’s a car that has been built with the ‘circular economy principle’ in mind. As a result, it’s made entirely from recycled and bio-based raw materials. As part of that circular lifespan, it can also be fully recycled at the end of its life. Even the solid-state battery can be used again.
Despite being striking in its design, it incorporates many traditional BMW styling traits. For instance, the BMW kidney grille is present and correct up front, but it stretches across the full width of the car and incorporates a digital screen. The bodywork has been left unpainted too, with the aluminium exterior anodised to protect it instead.
Inside, there’s a really eye-catching, futuristic design with plenty of cabin space while the seats follow a ‘floating’ design. The steering wheel, meanwhile, is 3D printed and the infotainment display has been moved to a head-up unit at the bottom of the windscreen.
Famed composer Hans Zimmer has once again collaborated with BMW on the sound of the i Vision Circular and has even followed on with the recycling theme. He crafted the powertrain sounds using musical instruments ‘from a bygone era, such as a famous old cello that still works in modern times thanks to the wonders of digital circularity’.
Though just a concept for now, the i Vision Circular is an example of a new production ethos for BMW that it’ll begin to use in the future. The idea of giving materials a second life for vehicle production is something that is set to be gradually introduced to the firm’s production activities over the coming years.
Oliver Zipse, BMW chairman, said: “We lead the way for resource efficiency in production and we are seeking to extend this status to all stages of the vehicle life cycle.
“This is a question of economic sustainability too, as the current trend in commodity prices clearly shows the financial consequences in store for any industry that is reliant on finite resources.”
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