We may be used to seeing BMW as an icon on the road, but now the brand is heading to the high seas. In collaboration with boat manufacturer TYDE, BMW developed and presented THE ICON, the first battery-powered watercraft that goes beyond the limitations of existing electric watercraft.
At the 76th film festival in Cannes it is BMW, together with the company TYDE, premiered THE ICON, a new kind of flag bearer for sustainable water mobility. 13.15 meters long and with a maximum speed of 30 knots (55 km/h), THE ICON is the pioneer of a new type of watercraft with battery electric propulsion.
THE ICON is the result of the joint efforts of experts from various fields of mobility, with the BMW team playing a leading role. Designworks, a subsidiary of BMW, was responsible for the design, while TYDE took over the development and realization of the concept. The vessel is powered by energy from high-voltage batteries supplied by BMW i.
The vessel is equipped with a pair of 100 kW electric motors that convert 240 kWh of energy, supplied by six batteries from the BMW i3, into an impressive range of more than 50 nautical miles (about 100 km). With an innovative propulsion system and hydrofoil technology, THE ICON moves almost silently, without vibration or shock and without causing waves.
The system takes care of the impressive sound on board Dolby Atmos, which ensures excellent sound quality. The sound concept, which includes drivetrain sound and pleasant, intuitive functional tones, was developed for this task by two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer.
The design team has translated the unique concept of THE ICON into an iconic experience - from the first visual impression from the outside to the view from the inside. Passengers enjoy an extraordinary view while gliding over the water. Modern LED light strips on the bow and stern and on the docking points emphasize the iconic effect of THE ICON.
THE ICON it is also a social hub that feels at home in any port. Through the slanted glass doors, you enter the salon, which with its artistically designed furniture on a luxurious carpet is reminiscent of kaleidoscope. The 360° rotating seats are at the heart of the user experience, with all key functions – including the tablet infotainment system – at your fingertips.
The vessel's command station is located in the center of the deck and presents a convincing offer with a wheel and instruments in an authentic BMW design. Instead of the traditional nautical instrument cluster, there is a fresh interpretation of the BMW interface, containing all the important functions within the digital control unit. The point of contact between man and machine is in form 32-inch screen touch with 6k resolution and the look and feel of the BMW iDrive control/operation system. Combined with the BMW Operating System 8, this unlocks a new dimension in information visualization and digital interaction. Key features such as range information and weather reports can be called up with voice commands.
The vessel that was in Cannes revealed for the first time, it is not a design study or concept, but a fully production-ready example of its kind, boasting pioneering technology. THE ICON is based on a platform concept that offers comprehensive adaptability to individual wishes and needs, both in terms of emotional experience and interior design. Focused on contemporary, urban lifestyles, it can be used by both luxury-conscious private buyers and the commercial sector.
THE ICON impresses with a powerful drive system that creates no noise or emissions. Technology hydrocryl makes it possible, to reach high speeds without creating waves or dragging waves behind them. Indeed, the only things THE ICON leaves behind during each journey are pleasure and joy.
