The BMW iNext’s Massive Kidney Grilles Are Loaded With Technology

BY Brad Anderson | Posted on

BMW has showcased the kidney grille that will be used by the all-electric iNext when it hits the assembly line in 2021.

As the BMW iNext will be an all-electric vehicle, it doesn’t need a traditional front grille to cool an engine. Nevertheless, the German automaker has decided its front end should still be defined by a kidney grille, albeit one that is solid and rather than providing any type of cooling, it instead houses a bunch of important technologies.

According to BMW, the iNext’s grille houses various radar functions, camera technology and other sensors that are key in ensuring the vehicle is ready for fully automated driving.

The grille was developed at BMW Group’s Landshut Lightweight Construction and Technology Center (LuTZ). BMW refers to the grille as the “eye” of the iNext and says the Landshut site will produce a host of other innovative components for the car, including its innovative electric drive system.

“Automated driving is a huge chance for Germany as an industrial location. With future-oriented technologies, we are generating decisive competitive advantages. Especially during the current transformation of our sector, our in-house component production at Landshut is assuming more than ever the role of an innovation hub,” member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, Dr. Andreas Wendt said. “In addition to highly automated driving, mobility of the future will be characterized by electric mobility and digitalisation – the BMW iNEXT is synonymous with all of this, as are Landshut and the BMW Group in Lower Bavaria.”

Underpinning the BMW iNext will be the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive system that will be good for 530 hp and complete with a lightweight 80 kWh battery pack.

The BMW iNext’s Massive Kidney Grilles Are Loaded With Technology

The BMW iNext will be the company’s first model ready for full-autonomous driving.
Hertz Agrees To Pay Lenders $650 Million To Keep Its Head Above Water

Hertz claims its lenders played a role in pushing the rental giant into bankruptcy.
2021 Audi RS3 Sedan Is Getting Ready To Hunt Down Mercedes AMG’s CLA 45

Audi’s new RS3 will retain the gorgeous five-cylinder engine, which could produce over 400 HP.
Dutch Police Find Stolen Ferrari Mondial Sitting In A Canal For Nearly Three Decades

The Ferrari Mondial is currently on display at a large scrap yard.
Carlex Design’s Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro ‘Tattoo Edition’ Is Not For The Faint-Hearted

Carlex Design has overhauled the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro’s interior and exterior .
Ken Block Gets His Hands On The Mad 1,400 HP Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ken Block finally hoons a Mustang Mach E, only this one is a bit more special.
Carlos Ghosn’s Son Allegedly Paid $500,000 In Crypto To Have Exec Smuggled Out Of Japan

Carlos Ghosn also paid the Taylors over $860,000 for his escape.
Elon Musk Admits Tesla Models “Are Not Affordable Enough”

Elon Musk said Tesla won’t succeed in its mission if its models don’t become cheaper.
BMW X5-Based i Hydrogen NEXT On Track For 2022

The i Hydrogen NEXT will get a limited production run as BMW looks to expand portfolio.
Brabus 700 Widestar Gains An Army Look Courtesy Of Fostla

Fostla says it is the first tuner to give the new G63 an army look.