2021 BMW iNEXT to reinvent the wheel

A fresh tease of the forthcoming BMW iNEXT has revealed the German car-maker will do away with the familiar round steering wheel for its first pure-electric SUV.

Instead, the 2021 BMW iNEXT will feature an unusual polygonal steering wheel that has been designed to help the driver switch between the battery-powered SUV's advanced autonomous driving features.

BMW claims the reason for its unusual design is, to the naked eye, it's easier for a human driver to recognise the car's steering angle – an important safety feature if switching over from its self-driving mode while cornering.

As well as its shape, the iNEXT's steering wheel will also differ from most conventional tillers by embedding optical fibres within it to inform the driver what autonomous driving mode is available for use.

The wheel could light up, for example, if the car deems a piece of highway is a safe environment for full autonomous driving or glow a different colour when it thinks the driver should retake control in a more urban situation.

As well as the polygonal wheel, BMW has already shown off the iNEXT's new curved infotainment system that's combined with an additional, smaller screen in front of the driver.

Angled towards the driver, the new infotainment system stretches across the cabin and uses non-reflective glass.

Inspired by the 2018 LA motor show concept, the iNEXT is set to become the German brand's new technological flagship when it arrives in global markets in 2021.

Already seen testing, the iNEXT will go up against both the Jaguar I-PACE and the Tesla Model X.

BMW is yet to release full technical details of the iNEXT but it’s thought that both the range and even the electric motors of the production car are yet to be locked in.

Based on the German car-maker’s advanced next-generation platform — which has been designed and engineered for both pure-electric and petrol and diesel powertrains — the iNEXT will be potentially built on the same production line as a regular BMW 5 and 7 Series.

BMW has already revealed the long range version of the forthcoming i4 fastback sedan will come with an option of a powerful 120kWh battery that provides a total range of 700km between recharges.

It’s thought both the i4 and the iNEXT will be offered with Level 3 autonomous driving capability when launched, allowing for hands-off and eyes-off driving at up to 130km/h on the highway.

Later on, during the iNEXT’s lifetime, this will be upgraded to full Level 5 autonomous driving capability without the need for any input from the driver.