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Innovative BMW Vision Neue Klasse Highlighted at IAA Mobility in Munich

by Randi
written by Randi

 

In Munich, Germany, the BMW Group held future product reveals for both MINI and BMW at the 2023 IAA Mobility Festival. Specifically, the Bavarian automaker highlighted the innovative BMW Vision Neue Klasse that marks the manifestation of the third Vision Vehicle, an expansion from the Vision i Dee showcased at the CES Show earlier this year in Las Vegas.

The electrified and digitized concept will come to fruition in 2025 with six SUV and sedan variants featuring 30% more driving range, 30% faster charging times, and a 25% increase in overall efficiency thanks to futuristic design techniques, the reduction of needless materials and weight, and of course the implementation of BMW’s EfficientDynamics processing. For example, BMW will center on aluminum and composites, replacing chrome with lighting (especially the front fascia), swapping door handles for sensors, and reducing the scope of the grille with an illuminated variant as size becomes less important in the world of electric cars.

Additionally, the latest BMW Vision is sculpted with aggressive wheel arches, large windows, a forward-slanting “shark nose” front end, and short overhangs with a strong emphasis on the 21” aerodynamic wheels since the driving experience will remain BMW’s focus. You can thank the company’s 6th-generation BMW eDrive technology since it instills extra efficiency and driving gratification from new electric motors and breakthrough rounded battery cells.

I spoke in detail with BMW designers and developers, including head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk, who provided a deeper perspective into the sustainable and digitized platform. Neue Klasse, a digital and mobility philosophy, will become the blueprint for all next-generation models as this transformation marks the largest pool of resources BMW has ever invested in a technology movement. The BMW M brand will also integrate with Neue Klasse, so expect increased levels of ultimate driving.

“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalization, and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.”

BMW has transformed the vehicle into a digital companion inside the spacecraft-like cockpit. Here is where visions turn into reality, first through BMW Panoramic Vision and next through the next-generation BMW iDrive that meshes virtual and real worlds. Over 20 million BMWs are already connected to the cloud; thus, transitioning to Neue Klasse will be a simple process. It begins with information projected through BMW Panoramic Vision, similar to a Head-Up Display, across the entire windshield. The immersive digital experience pairs with a Central Display, voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and multifunctioning steering wheel controls. Expect a minimalist gauge cluster and an array of widgets on the BMW Panoramic Vision to lead the next cornerstone of BMW iDrive, which will help keep your eyes on the road.

The illuminating environment utilizes soft colors for comfort and replaces decorative chrome and leather with plant-based materials. The interior is clean, cozy, warm, and welcoming. As with the MINI brand, BMW may incorporate 3D knitting in the form of sustainable cloth.

Since we are a mobile society, mobility has become the cornerstone of personal freedom and progress through innovation and sustainability. From CO2 reduction to recycled textiles and metals, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse makes individual mobility more human. Nevertheless, you will not have to wait long; the BMW platform will take precedence in just two short years.

 

 

 

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Discovering the Vitality of Portugal with Electric Energy

by Randi
written by Randi

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Portugal for the international media drive of the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV which expands the fully-electric Mercedes-EQ brand by making it the second EV SUV in the portfolio. The German automaker has been on a role since introducing the EQS sedan a few years ago and now hosts a bevy of sustainable models to help reach its carbon-free goal while providing conscious owners with a variety of styles and sizes to choose from.

Based on the EQE sedan in positioning, the midsize SUV features a 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a driving range of 279 miles for the RWD EQE. However, if you step up to the AWD 4MATIC then range decreases a bit to 269 miles. Our initial charge was well within reach of the destination from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city. The vibe along the Atlantic Coast was incredibly refreshing en route to Ericeira, a civil parish and seaside community on the Western Coast considered the surfing capital of Europe. The lifestyle of fellow citizens seemed perfect for eco-friendly vehicle ownership as pastel-hued buildings from the old town express vibrant energy, the hilly streets offer daily exercise, and the fresh foods provide healthy sustenance. Moreover, Portugal is a beautiful and hospitable country that set a vitalizing tone for our electric test drive.

The EQE SUV is the 4th electric model built on Mercedes-EQ’s new all-electric platform. The other three are the EQS and EQE sedans, as well as the EQS SUV. The EQB, which Automotive Rhythms evaluated last month, rides on a different platform. Three trims will include the $77,900 EQE 350+ SUV (288 hp / 417 lb-ft of torque), the $77,900 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV (288 hp / 564 lb-ft of torque), and the $89,500 EQE 500 4MATIC SUV (402 hp / 633 lb-ft of torque). Each excludes the $1,150 destination and delivery fee.

The 4MATICs feature dual motors (front and rear axle) for increased system power. Additionally, the left steering wheel paddle engages “strong” energy recuperation and the right paddle gives the EQE SUV “normal” recovery. Various DYNAMIC SELECT modes from Eco to Sport customize the driving style and energy savings. For example, the front engine disconnects in ECO or Comfort mode to preserve energy. There is also a new OFF-ROAD mode (4MATIC models) for obvious reasons, which we tried out on a few rocky beaches. Though, the suspension felt wavy on the trail and not as confident as expected. But I’m sure the upgraded AIRMATIC Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System would handle that matter.

Riding on 19″ wheels, our vehicle was super smooth, quiet as a pin drop, and quick. Not ultra-fast in acceleration, but the EQE SUV is ideally suited for family lifestyle tasks. Maneuvering performance stems from the “10-Degree Rear-Axle steering system” and optional design cues include wide running boards. And though it is smaller than the EQS SUV, inside the evolutionary cabin my 6’7″ drive partner Brian Armstead and I were extremely comfortable. Also, a new heat pump supplies advanced thermal capabilities by utilizing wasted battery heat to warm the cabin and help increase driving range.

Like all EQ models, the interior is simultaneously divine and technological. Mercedes-EQ offers features and capabilities that you never knew you required. It begins with the highly vivid MBUX multimedia system with Navigation, an incredibly detailed Head-up Display, a 12.8” Center OLED Touchscreen, and a 12.3” Instrument Cluster. The only element I am not a fan of is the Augmented Video for Navigation which shows you the actual imagery of your surroundings. For vegans like myself, the MB-Tex upholstery is leather-free including the seats and steering wheel. For audiophiles, an extraordinary Burmester 3D Sound system with Dolby Atmos and a 360-degree sound experience takes the audio experience to a planetary level. Just pump up the volume from Wu-Tang Clan’s (Ghostface) Daytona 500 featuring Raekwon and Cappadonna. The RZA’s profound stream of beats never sounded better.

Further EQE SUV  enhancements include 64-color ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps with Active Highbeam Assist, a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, massaging seats, 4-Zone Climate Control and Active Fragrance, and a 100w USB-C package. To stylize your EQE SUV on another level, upgrade to the optional AMG Line and receive unique 21″ AMG rims, a sporty rear diffuser, a sportier front bumper, a flat bottom AMG steering wheel, AMG pedals and floor mats, and illuminated door sills.

A few EQE SUV safety packages to keep you protected on the road include Driver Assistance Package with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Assist, and PRE-SAFE PLUS including PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, Active Brake Assist, and PARKTRONIC with Surround View System.

Mercedes-EQ has a partnership with ChargePoint with a recent announcement of a new charging network available to all EV drivers, not just Mercedes owners. The rollout begins this year in North America and includes MN8 Energy. Completion is expected by 2027 and will offer 400 hubs with more than 2,500 Level 3 chargers. When completed, premium charging hubs will be located in highway proximities and metropolitan areas. Expect four to 12 chargers at standard locations and up to 30 at busy junctions. Moreover, EV owners will complete 80% of their charging at home using a 240V Level 2 charger. Therefore, a home installation setup like the ChargePoint Home Flex is best.

In typical German fashion, the EQE SUV will compete directly with other German compatriots such as the BMW iX SUV and Audi e-tron SUV. Built in Alabama and available this spring, the new Mercedes-EQ continues to advance the narrative of a carbon-free future.

#AutomotiveRhythms #MercedesEQ #2023MercedesEQE #MercedesEQESUV #2023MercedesEQESUV #MercedesEQE #MercedesBenz #MercedesEQ #EQE #EQESUV #FutureCars #Innovation #Electrification #ChargePointHomeFlex #Automotive #Technology #DigitalCars #EVs #ElectricVehicles #GreenCars #CarbonNeutrality #EQS #ChargePoint #CarChargers #CarCharging #Portugal #VisitPortugal #VisitLisbon #Lisbona #Ericeira #EriceiraPortugal #LisbonPortuga #LisboaPortugal

 

 

 

 

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ChargePoint Home Flex Installation: EV Charging 101

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

As an automotive journalist, I test and evaluate the latest electric vehicles from SUVs to performance sedans. For example, I’m currently reviewing the electrified 2023 Genesis GV60 crossover, and in prior weeks I had the Mercedes EQS and Audi Q4 e-tron in my driveway. Since data shows that EV owners will conduct 80% of charging at home, I installed a ChargePoint Home Flex outside my garage to power Automotive Rhythms’ EV media fleet. If you are a current EV owner or considering joining the electric revolution, you should contemplate a home charging station as well.

There are three charging levels to consider to keep your EV ready for action. Level 1 is the slowest at three to five miles of energy recuperation per hour and utilizes your home’s 110V outlets. A full charge can take up to 60 hours or more depending on the size of your vehicle’s battery pack. Level 2 is the most convenient since charging can take place at home at 15 to 37 miles an hour from a 240V unit like the ChargePoint Home Flex. Public charging stations are rapidly increasing in many parts of the US and feature Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. With Level 3 charging (also known as DC Fast Chargers), you can expect charging from 25 kWh to 350 kWh. For instance, a 350 kWh DC fast charger will juice a Kia EV6 GT and its 800V multi-charging architecture from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes. Note that not all EVs on the road today have a DC fast charging port. Additionally, most plug-in hybrids can only charge at Level 1 or 2.

However, while rapid charging is great and convenient for you timewise, it takes a toll on your vehicle’s battery pack. Therefore, constant usage can result in lower long-term range for your EV. So for most of us, Level 2 is the perfect balance for efficiency and longevity. There are two other strategies for preserving your battery. Firstly, only charge up to 80%. Secondly, never let your battery run down to zero percent because it requires more energy to kickstart the charging.

For installation by a certified electrician, the Home Flex can be hardwired or plugged in, depending on your preference. I chose the hardwiring option and an outdoor installation instead of inside my garage. It’s weatherproof so there will be no issues when rain falls or temperatures drop. The 240-volt Level 2 system runs through my upgraded 200-amp electrical panel from a dedicated 40-amp breaker. The main reasons a car charger installation would necessitate the upgrades are physical capacity (how many breakers a panel can hold) or amperage capacity (how much current a service can handle).

ChargePoint provides Home Flex units from 16 amps to 50 amps depending on your needs. Many homes may only have a 100-amp panel that requires a service upgrade (dubbed a heavy-up) to handle the new load. For the quickest results, have your electrician hardwire your unit to a 50-amp circuit breaker which feature an estimated 37 miles of range per hour. The lower the amp rating, the slower the charge. As you increase amperage, more power is drawn to your vehicle per hour and at a faster rate. I observed that the Genesis pulled 9.3 kWh from the charger for about 30 miles of range per hour.

As previously stated, EV owners will charge 80% at home. But publicly, ChargePoint has an extensive network of Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. I can use the ChargePoint app to find locations in my area from shopping centers to hotels. The app also breaks down the usage of each charging session, whether at home or from a public station.

Many auto manufacturers are heavily supporting the sprint towards building out the infrastructure needed to meet the growing demand for EVs. For example, Volvo recently partnered with Starbucks for ChargePoint chargers at locations along a 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle. As a result, as many as 60 DC Fast Chargers at 15 locations will be available to coffee lovers.

Moreover, Mercedes-EQ announced an aggressive network plan at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The German automaker is one of many companies aggressively moving towards EV adoption to accelerate carbon neutrality goals. The charging network will be open to all EV customers, not just Mercedes owners. The rollout will start this year in North America and pairs with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint. Completion is expected by 2027 and will offer 400 hubs with more than 2,500 Level 3 chargers. When completed, EV drivers will find premium charging hubs near highways and in metropolitan areas. Expect four to 12 chargers at standard locations and up to 30 chargers at busy junctions.

The ChargePoint Home Flex is competitively priced at $749, and eligible for utility rebates and other incentives including the renewed US federal tax credit for 30% of total charge station costs and installation costs up to $1,000. Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 for home charging installation depending on your home’s electrical needs and setup. Are you ready for the EV revolution? The choice is yours as the mobility sector continues its shift towards electrification and carbon neutrality.

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Mercedes-Benz Announces New Charging Network and Advanced Tech at CES 2023

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The advancements in digital technologies, EV development, and forward-thinking by Mercedes-Benz were on full display at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. With incontrovertible electrification innovations — both current and on the horizon — the automotive manufacturing and software company from Stuttgart, Germany is nobly playing its part in ascertaining that the electrification of mobility is progressive, efficient, convenient, and widespread. Aptly, M-B took advantage of the fanfare at CES 2023 to launch its global branded, high-power charging network which will debut in North America in 2023.

At CES, Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer and Chief Software Officer Magnus Östberg hosted a TECH to DESIRE press conference to discuss the charging network, as well as an array of other news, such as the Vision EQXX research vehicle with an all-electric driving range of more than 745 miles; partnerships with Apple Music and Universal Music Group to provide elevated in-car sound experiences with Dolby Atmos; and Level 3 conditionally automated driving with Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT. In standard German practice, the announcements were meticulous, tech-heavy, and digitally fascinating. The goal of the perpetuating ideologies from Mercedes-Benz’s engineering perspective is to accelerate infrastructure development to make life easier and convey how technology creates desire for its customers.

Whether your EV adoration is for the EQ brand or another EV company, M-B is aggressively pushing EV adoption to accelerate humanity’s carbon neutrality target. The charging network will be open to every EV customer, not just Mercedes-Benz owners. The rollout will start this year in North America and pairs with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint, which operates one of the most expansive networks of independently owned EV charging stations in 14 countries. MN8 Energy is one of the US’s largest solar energy and battery storage owners and operators. Completion is expected by 2027 and should consist of 400 hubs with more than 2,500 high-power chargers, including an inordinate number of 350 kW chargers. EV drivers can locate the premium charging hubs near highways, central intersections, and metropolitan areas. Cameras for safety will be installed, and the most convenient locations will feature restaurants and restroom facilities close by. Expect 4 to 12 chargers at standard locations and up to 30 at busy junctions. M-B owners will also receive priority with the ability to reserve a spot before arrival.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we’re fully committed to making the charging of battery electric vehicles easier and more accessible,” stated Markus Schäfer. “By selecting MN8 Energy and ChargePoint as our partners in North America – two of the leaders in their respective fields – we’ll be able to continue to drive the transformation towards an electric future, which is one of the main pillars of our holistic, sustainable corporate strategy.”

In accordance with the network announcement, I was also able to experience a Las Vegas drive in the Vision EQXX ultra EV. Engineered in just 18 months and representing the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built, this experimental unit acts as a barometer for production EQ models, which may eventually inherit deviations from its technology, energy storage capabilities, and driving range. Ironically however, an owner of this particular EV may not need the high-power charging network since its range of 745 miles is so extensive. The development intention of the vehicle was to produce a battery with 100 kW capacity, lightweight construction, increased aero, and extreme efficiency.

To evaluate the EQXX’s limits, M-B engineers averaged an impressive energy consumption of 7.5 miles per kilowatt hour on a drive from Stuttgart, Germany to Silverstone, U.K. The RWD EQXX features carbon fiber components, fully covered magnesium rims, a solar-paneled fix roof for regeneration, a 47.5” 8K MBUX display screen, and an all-planted-based interior utilizing bamboo, cactus, and mushroom-derived materials. Although it’s optimized for highway driving, the EV moves emphatically with its low center of gravity. Comparatively speaking, the EQXX battery is half the volume of the EQS battery and a third less in weight, yet has almost the same amount of energy as the EQS.

After a charge and refresher, hop back in your M-B EV to enjoy 31-speaker Burmester high-end 4D and 3D sound experiences to generate excitement en route to your next destination. With this system, which features speakers in the seats, you will hear and feel the music! M-B collaborated with Apple Music, Universal Music Group (UMG), and Dolby Atmos immersive audio to reproduce every sound element from recording sessions to harvest preferable in-car entertainment through MBUX. As a result, a Mercedes-Benz is now the first device not produced by Apple to present Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Furthermore, this setup provided a lane for UMG artists to base their song approval procedures on the end mix and establish the “Approved in a Mercedes-Benz” seal as a gold standard of sound.

The future of mobility was presented succinctly to showgoers looking for the most visceral human experience possible from the collision of virtual reality and analog worlds. Mercedes-Benz gave audiences the latest innovations, cutting-edge technology, and future cars at the 2023 Consumer Electronics. So are you ready for the next transitioning stage of mobility?

 

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BMW i Vision Dee Comes to Life at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

Digitization has always been a keystone of BMW’s engineering and technology philosophies, emphasizing the sustainability and human connection of mobility. Thus, as we move into a future ripe with alternative realities and artificial intelligence, the German automaker has innovated a Consumer Electronics Show (CES) car of the future that is fully connected, fully digitized, and fully electric. In proper fashion, BMW invited us to its hometown of Munich to witness the vehicle in person ahead of the 2023 CES debut in Las Vegas.

In Germany, BMW’s entire product planning team was on-hand for demonstrations and presentations of the i Vision Dee’s superlative capabilities. Aptly named Dee, which stands for Digital Emotional Experience, the seamless and authenticity of the vehicle’s DNA is its greatest asset. BMW vehicles are becoming more intelligent but with human interactions in a natural way. Highlighted by its digital soul, Dee becomes your road mate as she blends emotions and strong bonds between her “machine state” and “human state.” Dee engages all five senses and combines digital and analog references to help you become a better driver. Theoretically anyway. However, you can choose not to use her advancements.

Fast forward to CES 2023 to revel in BMW’s unveiling of the i Vision to an energetic crowd of forward thinkers and AI enthusiasts. They were equally immersed in Dee, who bridges the real and virtual worlds and provides a glimpse of what the “Ultimate Digital Driving Machine” might look like in the future. Some of her highlights include real-time visualization of your social media platforms, responsiveness to your inquiries, tint-capable side windows to create a holistic experience through graphic pictures and avatars, information projected on the windshield, and the use of digital ink to change exterior messaging. When you first approach, the future car employs a wide range of sensors to start communicating while providing feedback to your inquisitions. Also, she can visually express various moods such as wonderment, delight, or approval. Are you ready for BMW i Vision Dee to integrate with your driving world?

“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing what is possible when hardware and software are combined. This allows us to exploit the full potential of digitalization to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and for BMW, also: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

From a design perspective, Dee is quite fascinating, simple in nature, and reductive in physical features. Built with less complexity, she is presented with a nostalgic frontend from the 60s, utilizes no side mirrors, and sits wide and confident. The headlights and closed BMW kidney grille form a common phygital icon (fusion of physical and digital) on a uniform surface, which can change expressions using E Ink technology. The design team looked at classic BMW vehicles for references since familiarity and strong heritage build trust. Inside, the clean and flush cockpit is just as reductive as the exterior and commingles the BMW Mixed Reality Slider with the advanced Head-up Display (HUD) for the digital highlights and central operating controls. BMW says that using shy-tech sensors (touch) on the instrument panel allows the driver to determine the amount of digital content they want to see on the HUD. The systems feature four levels, from analog to augmented reality to an entirely virtual world.

Based on the images, you may wonder what is going on with the color schemes. Let me introduce you to the world premiere of full-color E Ink technology. I was astounded in Germany when modern-day artisans demonstrated the fully variable, multi-hued, and individually configurable exterior utilizing up to 32 color choices. The process includes ePaper film layered on the BMW i Vision, which in turn features 240 E Ink body segments to create endless pattern and color possibilities. And of course, the process is all digital to allow drivers to personalize their selections based on moments and moods. Today you may want to ride out in Jamaican flag colors; tomorrow may represent the World Cup champs from Argentina.

“A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences. Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will master the future of car-building,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development.

A ceremonious beginning and ending in Las Vegas left us all with vicarious premonitions of what possibilities the future holds. New experiences for you and your friends beyond reality have come to fruition by way of Dee if you desire her advanced digital potentials. The BMW i Vision Dee is your portal into a virtual ecosphere with fresh lifestyle facets to simplify mobility through AI when merged with real driving encounters. As Jimmy Hendrix would say, “Are You Experienced?”

 

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