Munich.
At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017, the BMW Group is
presenting its vision of zero-emission urban mobility on two wheels:
the BMW Motorrad Concept Link. Inspired by the BMW Motorrad Vision
Next 100, the design study unites digital connectivity with the
demands of urban mobility on two wheels. It treads new paths and
moves beyond established conventions both with regard to design and
technology.
“The BMW Motorrad Concept Link stands for a new understanding of
urban mobility. It links the digital and analogue world and places
the focus on the rider and his mobility needs. In the way it links
functionality and digitalisation it performs both as a means of
transport as well as a communication device. For me the BMW
Motorrad Concept Link, with its timeless and reduced style, is more
than a concept – it is rather a symbol for a new era.” explains
Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design of BMW Motorrad.
Design as a distinguishing and segment-defining feature.
The special character of the concept vehicle becomes clear right
away thanks to the completely new design language. “The BMW Motorrad
Concept Link is not based on today’s concepts, but rather meets the
basic functionality needs, the technical architecture and the
digital reality of today’s users. The technical realities of
electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and
the compact drive on the rear wheel – allowed us to create a highly
distinctive design which shapes a new segment. The resulting
expressive power of the vehicle is absolutely new for BMW Motorrad
and breaks with all conventional viewing patterns.” explains
Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design at BMW Motorrad.
The low-slung, stretched body and the flat seat combined with
the diagonally rising front section create a modern yet distinctive
silhouette. The use of colours emphasises this even further: the
front trim in Liquid Metal Titanium contrasts with the semi-matt
black body. The colours are oriented diagonally which underlines the
dynamic potential of the BMW Motorrad Concept Link.
Tailor-made for the requirements of urban mobility.
The new and emphatically function-driven architecture provides a
high level of riding pleasure due to the E-drive. The BMW Motorrad
Concept Link is ideally suited to meet the requirements of modern
urban mobility with fast acceleration and easy handling. Due to its
low overall height, getting on is easy from the side or even from
the back. A reverse gear ensures that it is easy to manoeuvre,
making it ideal to park in tight city spaces.
The seat bench can be adjusted lengthwise to suit every
preference. The proportions also make room for new storage space. In
the centre section, underneath the seat bench, a luggage compartment
offers versatile storage opportunities. The rider can access this
quickly and easily at all times using a sliding door. With its new
architecture, the BMW Motorrad Concept Link combines riding pleasure
and functionality in an ideal way.
Clear shapes and modern technology.
Taking a closer look, clear lines, large-area surfaces and
simple, precise shapes emphasise the state-of-the-art look of the
BMW Motorrad Concept Link. The two-tone colour design reinforces
this further. A large matt black area, the technical heart, shapes
the core of the concept. It stretches from the front to the rear,
and in addition to the tyres and front lights, also integrating the
drive unit and the suspension elements. The two iconic LEC front
lights are characterised by minimalist design. Their clear-cut
layout and the slim contours accentuate the modern and trail-blazing
visual appeal of the front section.
The powerfully expressive contours of the side panels framing
the dark core of the vehicle, optimise aerodynamics and also provide
protection against wind and weather. The sides of the wheels are
completely covered, underscoring the contemporary overall visual
appeal.
The BMW Motorrad Concept Link also deliberately showcases the
technology used as part of the design package. That is why the side
panels don’t completely cover the side section at the rear. Instead
they stretch across the vehicles side like little wings allowing
views of the technical elements like drive unit, cooling ribs,
single-sided swing arm, spring strut and tooth belt. At the same
time they help improve aerodynamic air flow.
The iconic rear lights have been integrated into the rear side
panels in the form of two C-shaped light elements.
Deliberate contrasts and numerous individualisation options.
Contrasts are deliberately played on in conjunction with the
clear shapes of the BMW Concept Link to give it a powerful and
impressive appearance. The orange-coloured cables connecting battery
pack and drive on the right side are highly contrasting in
appearance and make a clear and self-assured statement. Their
diameter already hints at the power in the drive unit.
The seat bench also makes both a functional and visually
powerful statement, the flat seat area being kept separate from the
vehicles body. This emphasises the lightness of the side view
thereby highlighting the agile and easy handling. The seat bench
allows views of the aluminium structure within.
It can be adapted to suit different needs in numerous ways. It
can be either a sporty single-seater, a seat bench for two or
anything in between giving the concept vehicle a distinctive visual
and functional character.
Further customisation options, such as side panels in different
colours or different windshields, allow the rider to express his
personality, making the BMW Motorrad Concept Link the ideal
companion for any situation.
Connecting rider, vehicle and environment.
Inspired by the BMW Motorrad Vision NEXT 100, the BMW Motorrad
Concept Link interprets the connection between rider, vehicle and
the environment for urban use. It keeps the rider connected while
riding, thereby expanding his mobile world by providing him with new
opportunities. Among other things, the Concept vehicle knows what’s
in the rider’s calendar and therefore his next destinations. As a
result it can plan the fastest or most scenic route and even select
the most suitable music if required.
The focus is also on being able to enjoy the riding experience
without any distractions. The classic instrument cluster has been
dropped. Instead speed, navigation and battery information is
projected onto the windshield directly into the rider’s field of
vision. Secondary information is displayed on the large-surface
panel, which matches the design perfectly and is located below the
handlebars. The panel enables a large number of possible ways of
interacting with the outside world and for communicating with other
vehicles. The touch sensitive surface of the large-size panel
displays and controls extensive infotainment, connectivity and
routing information. Freely programmable, touch-enabled buttons on
the handlebars allow the rider to access preferred and frequently
used functions without having to remove his hands from the
handlebars.
Intelligent rider equipment.
The interaction between vehicle and rider wear holds great
potential with regard to rider safety, comfort, functionality and
riding experience. On the BMW Motorrad Concept Link, the rider
equipment is also connected to the vehicle. To highlight this
connection, a motion on the arm of the jacket opens and closes the
sliding door of the luggage compartment.
A stitch on the arm signifies the active area. The rider wear is
also a fashion statement and deliberately not recognisable as
motorcycle gear. Light shoulder and elbow protectors have been
integrated into the stylish short coat made of water-repellent loden
cloth. However they are not visible in the modern cut of the coat.
With the combination of the emission-free, dynamic drive, a new
design language, connectivity and fashionable yet functional rider
equipment, the BMW Motorrad Concept Link embodies BMW Motorrad’s
understanding of the future of urban mobility.
In case of queries please contact:
Renate Heim, BMW Motorrad Communication
Tel.: +49 89 382-21615, Fax: +49 89 382-23927
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly
facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than
140 countries.
In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and
145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately
€ 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31
December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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