BMW Takes Cues From Apple With Radical Interior Overhaul
BMW AG's latest prototype could well preview Apple Inc.'s future car: drivers have zero buttons and switches with a super-sleek interior where the windshield acts as a giant voice-controlled display.
Parts of the technologies showcased in the i Vision Dee concept car, on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, will be available as soon as 2025, according to Chief Executive Officer Oliver Zipse. The vehicle — while using Amazon. com Inc. voice recognition know-how — features software mostly developed by BMW in a bid to shut out tech giants.
“We have to be very vigilant not to give away data,” Zipse said during an event in Munich previewing the i Vision Dee. “Our car will integrate seamlessly into your digital lives to become a true driving companion.”
BMW's splashy show at CES comes as Apple's highly secretive car project faces delays to around 2026 as its self-driving plans have proven too ambitious. But even with the postponement, Apple's auto push continues to hang over the industry where incumbent manufacturers struggle to integrate complex digital services.
Software delays holding back Volkswagen AG's EV roll-out felled its CEO last year. Drivers battling frozen screens and patchy over-the-air updates are contributing to VW losing market share in China, its biggest market. Mercedes-Benz AG last year recalled 9,100 of its flagship electric EQS sedans in the US to fix a software error that risked disabling rear turn signals.
At BMW, which went for a retro-inspired look for the i Vision Dee reminiscent of its 1960s sedans, developers have had a better grasp on adding to digital capabilities.
Since 2019, BMW has been updating car software wirelessly for a broad suite of functions, including
Read more on tech.hindustantimes.com
