‘That’s the coolest thing ever’ drivers gush over new car that can change COLOUR – would you buy it?
DRIVERS have gone wild over a new car that changes COLOUR in a second – would you buy it?
Jaws dropped when BWM launched the futuristic motor and it was spotted effortlessly transforming from black to white.
The shifting colours, a fresh feature of the BMW iX Flow called E Ink, left people equally impressed and baffled.
One person commented: “I love this car #BMW changing colours, I’m impressed.”
Another penned: “This is so dope, wtf”.
“That’s the coolest thing ever,” a third agreed.
But, while it may appear to be a cosmetic addition, the car manufacturer suggested it also serves as a practical function.
How it works
BMW dubbed E Ink a “groundbreaking invention”, and claim the interchangeable colours allows drivers maximum efficiency.
“With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink, the BMW Group offers a completely new way of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements,” a spokesperson stated on the website.
Frank Weber, a member of BMW’s development board, said: “With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life.”
“The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for, ” added Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.
This “unprecedented” system works by sending electrical signals through a specifically engineered body wrap.
The system, “electrophoretic technology” is similar to that of eReader screens.
When electrical signals are passed through particles in the wrap, it brings different coloured pigments to the surface which then changes the appearance.
“With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink, the BMW Group offers a completely new way of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements.”
BMW Group
“The surface coating of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a single human hair,” the company outlined.
“Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments.
“Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.”
Practical benefits
As well as blowing minds, a colour changing car can also boost efficiency, according to BMW.
Using the darker coloured exterior will prove more beneficial in winter months when heat retention is harder.
By the same logic, a white surface in summer months could help reflect harsher sunlight and keep the interior temperature lower.
“In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle’s air conditioning,” added BMW.
This ultimately reduces the amount of energy the car uses and saves the driver money.
With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life.”
Frank Weber
In an EV, this technology could also help extend mileage range, as this is slashed by using air con and heating functions.
The manufacturer continue: “E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient.
“Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.”
This comes as BMW’s dramatic new electric SUV Neue Klasse has been spotted before release – and it’s ‘almost unrecognisable’.
The upcoming model was snapped out and about in Germany this week with some updated features on display.
Meanwhile, the 10 best cars to buy for under £1,000 have been revealed – including a Jaguar and BMW 3-Series.
The list, compiled by YouTuber Jonathan “Jonny” Brighton, includes some classics motors that are adored by petrol heads for their style and performance.