But not all the elegance was on four wheels. BMW also introduced the Motorrad Concept Link, a zero-emissions electric bike.
The Link is inspired by another concept, the even-more-futuristic-looking Motorrad Vision Next 100 that BMW showed last fall at the LA Auto Show. This connected motorcycle - it's probably more accurate to call it a scooter - is designed to get you around the urban core. And because of its low-slung power pack, it looks like nothing else.
"The BMW Motorrad Concept Link is not based on today's concepts, but rather meets the basic functionality needs, the technical architecture and the digital reality of today's users," says Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design at BMW Motorrad. "The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive on the rear wheel – allowed us to create a highly distinctive design which shapes a new segment."
It's packaged low and tight, so easy to climb aboard. The length of the bench seat can be adjusted to accommodate a second rider. In the two-tone color scheme, the black areas designate the powertrain, (that large area under the seat is storage), and the color panels can be swapped for a custom look. There's no instrument panel, just a projection. Certain bike functions, like opening the door of the underseat storage compartment, respond to a rider's arm movements while wearing a special matching motion-control jacket. BMW even envisions the bike selecting music it deems appropriate for the ride you want to take.
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