BMW is on a path to redefine our vision of what automotive design looks like with their BMW Group keynote 2021. Focusing on their two-wheeler concepts that blur the boundary between bicycle and motorbike, meet the BMW i Vision AMBY and the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY.

These are two of five different concept vehicles that the BMW Group will use at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich to showcase its vision of individual mobility in and around the urban setting. The theme of the event focuses on electric mobility, digitalization, and sustainability, these concepts provide a diverse range of solutions designed to encourage every type of user.

Sleek, modern, and distinctly edgy (the battery pack seems to take a suspicious inspiration from the angular design trend made popular by Tesla Cybertruck) – the BMW i Vision AMBY takes its role to inspire the design world seriously. The pedelec defies the standard dominant hues of black, blue, and silver for a refreshing metallic gold finish that is sure to turn heads.

AMBY stands for ‘Adaptive Mobility’ and each of these designs has its own interpretation of the adaptive user behavior. Both vehicles are electrically powered with three-speed levels for different types of road. The drive allows up to 25 km/h on cycle paths, up to 45 km/h on inner-city roads, and up to a top speed of 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and out of town. A helmet, insurance license plates, and a relevant driving license are required when you want to travel at higher speeds.

BMW i Vision AMBY

Speaking of the design of the BMW i Vision AMBY, the team explains, “The design of the BMW i Vision AMBY is defined by visual lightness and powerful athleticism. And every detail promises that it is capable of more than a regular e-bike. The frame structure is larger and the impression is one of greater strength and stability in every respect. The modern frame geometry feels like a mixture of a racing bike and a sporty e-bike. The upper frame tube, crafted from four sculptural aluminum profiles, represents an expressive and modern statement of intent – and not only in visual terms. A slightly rising sweep to its design underscores the dynamic intent. The space between the profiles also offers a storage room for a backpack or laptop bag. Located just before the handlebars is the smartphone integration pad, which holds the device safely in place using magnets and ensures it is highly visible.”

The battery is positioned in the center of the bike frame with its 2,000 Wh capacity enabling a range of up to 300 km (186 miles). The design of the handlebar stem includes a slim, horizontal LED light strip that is integrated into the wide handlebars and underscores the cutting-edge, technical look of this frame section. Being a pedal-driven device, the design automatically becomes a zero-emissions design, keeping in tune with the circular economy messaging for the BMW i Vision Circular.

“The frame can be clearly recognized as being made from the same anodized secondary aluminum as the main body of the BMW i Vision Circular. Added to which, parts of the handlebars and battery cover are manufactured from “floating grey polymers”, a recycled plastic also employed in the bumpers of the Vision Vehicle. These materials can be fed back into the BMW Group materials cycle more easily once the product has reached the end of its life. An oil derived from rapeseed is used as brake fluid. And the BMW Group was also careful to ensure the components of the BMW i Vision AMBY were produced locally in Germany and – with the supply chain in mind – transportation distances for them were kept to a minimum.”

BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY

A completely new concept between bicycle and motorbike, the concept focuses on the emotional connection between the user and the vehicle, taking it beyond a simple machine to a ‘partner in crime’. With its graphic yet dirtbike-like design, the sleekness of the concept focuses on the bicycle-like aesthetics with the functionality and soul of a BMW Enduro motorbike. It is this balancing act that makes it the perfect urban bike as well as a design that can go farther/longer ahead with you when you need it to.

“The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY takes us into new territory. For us, the focus is on user behavior – the question is: how will customers want to get around in the future? What will they expect their vehicle to be capable of? This was precisely the starting point of our deliberations. Our aim was to develop an extremely emotional vehicle for smart mobility in and around the city that offered maximum freedom. The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY really does enable our customers to experience urban life in a whole new way, cover distances more flexibly and “break free” of the city from time to time, too. At the same time, BMW Motorrad is consistently pursuing its electromobility strategy for urban conurbations. It’s a fascinating introduction to the world of BMW Motorrad that also promises maximum riding pleasure,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.

“In keeping with the unexpected, self-assured character of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY, its two sides have deliberately been designed distinctively. On both sides, the white “AMBY” lettering catches the eye above the light-colored drive unit, making a striking statement as a stylized graphic on the trim of the energy storage unit. While the lettering on the left gains additional visual depth from a colorfully shimmering, iridescent drop shadow, the inscription on the right appears deliberately without a drop shadow. Below the energy storage unit, there are two iridescent elements that add a further accentuation. On the right-hand side of the vehicle, three small turquoise blue tubes visibly emerge from the silhouette, clearly alluding to the electric heart of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY. Next to this is a quote by Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: „Electro-mobility will be very significant for the future of motorcycling.

Both the designs focus on using your smartphone as a Digital Key and geofencing to keep your rides safe. The focus on this entire experience is to cement BMW’s position as a game-changer, as a design brand that is staying true to its promise to sustainability and also shows that being sustainable is not a compromise. We are eagerly awaiting to experience these designs!

Designer: BMW and BMW Motorrad