BMW's Mini created a futuristic concept electric car that looks like a living room inside and has seats that can turn into a daybed
Brittany Chang
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.BMW Group
- BMW Group's Mini has unveiled an electric Mini Vision Urbanaut, a concept "retreat" living room on wheels.
- The futuristic concept vehicle's interior layout can transform depending on "Mini moment" selected.
- When the car is parked, the dashboard can turn into a daybed, to name just one of the lounging-related aspects included inside the concept electric vehicle.
BMW Group's Mini has unveiled the Mini Vision Urbanaut, a concept living room "retreat" on wheels.
The concept electric vehicle is filled with futuristic and fantastical elements, from changing interior layouts to a front dashboard that can transform into a daybed when the car is parked.
However, lounging spaces don't stop at just the daybed: the vehicle's entire interior is reminiscent of a bright living room with set floor plans, furniture, and even a plant. There's also room to sit on the floor when the single sliding door is open.
"In the MINI Vision Urbanaut, we extend private space far into the public realm, creating completely new and enriching experiences," Head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk said in a statement on the news release announcing the concept vehicle.
According to BMW, the concept vehicle was “designed from the inside out.”
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The vehicle is taller than a typical Mini but sits at 14.6 feet long.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Augmented reality systems were used to create the digital version of the Vision Urbanaut, according to its maker.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The single entry sliding doorway sits on one side of the vehicle, removing the need for any additional doors.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
The car can be opened using smartphones, and points of interests are customized for the passengers.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Moving inside, the interior has four seats. The two in the front can be rotated to face the interior, and the rear backrests can be folded or turned.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
The electric concept vehicle uses sustainable and recycled materials, a trend that other electric automakers like Fisker have taken part in as well. This includes the use of cork in the steering wheel and parts of the floor.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
The table that the plant sits on is the "center point" for social interactions inside the vehicle. Near the table is a multi-purpose display that also doubles as a table lamp when it's folded.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
When the car is parked, the windshield can open up and the dashboard can become a daybed seating nook.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
In order to create a more minimalist space, its maker didn’t include any “switches or buttons.”
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
"With the Mini Vision Urbanaut we have been able to rethink and increase the usable surface area inside the car even further in relation to its footprint," the head of Mini Design Oliver Heilmer said in a statement in the news release.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The Vision Urbanaut integrates three "Mini moments" uses: chill, wanderlust, and vibe.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
These three Mini Moments — as well as any personalized "moments" — are used in the "Mini Token" and its system.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
When a "moment" is activated after a token is put into its slot at the table, aspects of the car — such as lighting, music, and smells — will change according to the selected "moment."
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
"Chill" is integrated into the vehicle by making it a "retreat" space for relaxation and work.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
The rear part of the Vision Urbanaut is the "Cozy Corner," which has features like LED back lights and a dimmable "loop" that looks like a forest canopy when the car is activated in its "chill" mode, according to its maker.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
"Wanderlust" is showcased with the Vision Urbanaut's movement, either when it's driven by people or by its automated drive capabilities. If the passengers prefer automated driving, the steering wheel, pedals, and drive display will vanish.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
When the car is in "wanderlust" mode, the interior layout alters to be driving friendly, and the circular display changes to show tourist posters from the mid-1900s, as well as route and driving information.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
The aforementioned loop also updates to show "simulated blurs of passing scenery in a mix of orange and turquoise," according to its maker.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The final "vibe" theme is reflected in its goal of allowing people to spend more time with each other.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
In "vibe" mode, the side door and windshield open for an indoor-outdoor feel, and the circular display becomes a "media control center" for music.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Illustrated equalizers are then projected throughout parts of the car to create what BMW Group calls a "pleasant club atmosphere."
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
Even the exterior receives a makeover per "moment": the color of the wheels and head and rear lights can change according to the "moment" that the occupants have selected.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Otherwise, the wheels are turquoise blue, inspired by the ocean. They're also shaped to look like skateboard wheels.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Vision Urbanaut's headlights can only be seen when they are activated.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Both the front and rear lights have "multicolor dynamic matrix" capabilities, and both lights can also indicate when the car is in its "automated driving" mode.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The grille has also been altered to be octagon shaped with the purpose of acting as the "intelligence panel for automated driving."
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Source: BMW Group
The unique color of the vehicle and its gradient windows are also a change from the typical non-conceptual Mini vehicle.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
Finally, the driver's side C-pillar comes with a display box-like glass section that allows passengers to showcase different "charms" from different experiences, according to its maker.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
One of the "charms" also includes a QR code that redirects to Mini.com.
The Mini Vision Urbanaut.
BMW Group
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