BMW Celebrates a Century of Automaking with its Sustainability Vision (Video)

To celebrate its 100th anniversary BMW has released an all-electric futuristic vehicle called the Vision Next 100 sporting saloon. Although BMW struggled with some early battery pack issues, the high-end automaker is determined to be an electric vehicle leader. In 2013 BMW announced that it would make PHEV versions of its entire lineup. BMW's early efforts, the i3 and i8 did not win universal approval, nor did the MW X5 eDrive SUV. However this brand new high-tech prototype may prove to be irresistible to critics and consumers alike.

The automaker hopes it can use the technologies in this prototype including its light weight and aerodynamics, to build production vehicles that will grow its market share of the EV segment by the time the industry reaches maturity in 2022.

This sensor packed vehicle can function completely autonomously or it can be driven. When piloted the car offers an augmented-reality system that guides the driver by projecting ideal steering lines and speed onto the windscreen. The display also projects hidden hazards into your field of view.

Through something called ‘alive geometry’ triangular three dimensional indicators on the dash notify drivers. Using the same three dimensional triangles the Vision has external bodywork that changes to reduce aero drag.

Lux research has indicated that BMW is responsible for 10 percent of the demand for batteries used in plug-in vehicles.

BMW earned a top spot in the 2016 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World report released by media and research firm Corporate Knights. BMW's water efficiency and energy conservation led the automotive sector. As did their transparency, innovation and employee retention.

“Sustainability is part of our identity. We have accomplished a great deal and set ourselves further goals for the future,” said Harald Krüger, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in a statement. “Of course, winning ratings and rankings is not our main priority – but it shows that our activities continue to have an impact and that we are on the right track.”

BMW subsidiaries Rolls-Royce and Mini have also put forward futuristic prototypes. All three prototypes are using the Vision Next 100 name.