BMW Unveils iX3 Flow Edition With A Hood That Can Change Patterns

Credit: BMW

Back at CES 2022, BMW unveiled the BMW iX Flow concept car, which could change its appearance using e-ink panels—the same kind found in e-readers. This concept car never went on sale, partly because the entire body was covered in these panels, which was impractical and difficult to manufacture.

Now BMW is showing off the new generation iX3 with improved e-ink technology, which consists of a layer of e-ink integrated directly into the hood. The technology, called E-Ink Prism, allows the display to change from one of eight preset images at the touch of a button inside the car.

E Ink has traditionally partnered with BMW in this area, developing an interactive panel for the hood of the concept car. This panel, which can be attached to the hood and controlled via commands from inside the car, is designed to be as close as possible to series production and subsequent daily use without compromising the quality standards BMW demands of its products. However, it is not specified when, or if, this option will appear on BMW vehicles. It is only noted that the technology has been refined to the point where it will be “massively deployed” in future generations of vehicles.

Millions of microcapsules embedded in the panel can change color using an electrical signal. When static, the panel consumes no power, eliminating battery drain when the vehicle is idle. This particular concept features eight monochrome patterns, which can be switched from the car’s factory head unit.

While this car won’t be on sale anytime soon, the technology now appears mature enough to move into full-scale production.