Its name says it all!
As if BMW could not have gotten better when it comes to its luxurious offerings, it is premiering for the world a fully electric watercraft — the Icon, a vessel rooted in sustainable luxury! A collaboration of the greatest proportion, this first battery-powered watercraft brings together the BMW Group Designworks and TYDE. See what emission-free travel looks like coupled with all-out luxury!
Here’s more….
Its look/power!
Boasting 43.14 feet in length and reaching a top speed of 30 knots, the Icon represents a new era of battery-electric watercraft. Featuring two 100 kW electric motors which are powered by six BMW I3 batteries, this watercraft can cover the impressive range of 50 nautical miles, using a hydrofoil-style set up to guide smoothly through the waves. Hydrofoils serve to improve efficiency by up to 80 percent compared to a conventional hull and results in greater speeds and enhanced overall comfort.
Thanks to its very flat hull, located above the surface due to the foiling, a 4.5-metre wide area in the rear of the boat results in what is a spacious lounge-like cabin. This cabin is presented with carpets, six 360-degree rotating chairs and individual tablets within arm’s reach.
Central is a command station featuring iDrive style controls, voice controls and a 32-inch touchscreen with 6k resolution. This is luxury at its finest, with the look complete with glass panels and a Dolby Atmos-sponsored sound suite.
Closer look at hydrofoils!
An innovation in yacht racing, hydrofoils are an advanced hull form which reduces the energy requirement by up to 80 percent compared to conventional design. The foiling technology works by giving the ability for the watercraft to ride on wing structures below the water level, while the hull floats above the water’s surface.
The hydrofoils also provide a greater level of comfort for travelers and allow for higher speeds.
Added touches!
As if the luxury of the Icon by sight is not enough, try it by sound! The watercraft features on-board soundscape, providing music by Oscar-winning composer and frequent BMW collaborator Hans Zimmer.
Within the hull is a prism-like layout which pairs beautifully with the sea-inspired two-tone exterior with strips of LED lights, resulting in a beautiful appearance into the evening.
A command station within the watercraft is centrally located on the deck and features a ship’s wheel and instruments that speak to BMW’s authentic design. Passengers enjoy the look of a BMW interface, as opposed to traditional nautical instruments, thus providing a fresh interpretation complete with all the essential functions needed within the digital control unit.
Style cues!
Origami style design is found within, complete with good head heights giving the ability for passengers to remain standing upright while moving through the cabin. The cabin is separated into twin lounge areas and a BMW-designed helm station, featuring rotating helm seats that allow the space to function as either part of the social area or independently, allowing flexibility within the space.
The connection to water is beautifully evident, with glass panels throughout the cabin as well as a swim platform on the craft, which spans 4.5-metres and results in a spacious entrance to the inside.
Furniture is also purposeful in its design, with each individual piece made of grainy metal which serves to reflect sunlight around the cabin — similar to the waves the boat travels through.
What else we know!
— The boat has been designed for private or commercial use.
— It will be on display at Vieux Port for the duration of the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
— It is intended to inspire CO2-free mobility at sea.
— The product is a result of an in-depth sharing of knowledge between experts at BMW, TYDE and Designworks, a BMW Group subsidiary with studios in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai.
— Marine electric mobility had been restricted to smaller, slower crafts with very little range by comparison, with the segment of faster boats with longer range dominated by those versions with combustion engines. The Icon redefines this relationship between the dimensions, top speed and range of an electrically powered watercraft.
— The Icon makes almost zero noise, and has no vibrations or shocks.
An overall experience is to be had with the Icon — pure pleasure and joy — beginning with its visual beauty to its luxurious cabin within. Passengers enjoy a stunning view, with all their senses heightened, including sound and touch. Wth a name that says it all, consider adding an Icon to your motoring enjoyment!
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