At the 76th Cannes Film Festival, BMW and renowned boat maker TYDE unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: THE ICON. This extraordinary marine craft not only embodies the epitome of sustainable mobility on water but also redefines the concept of luxury and pleasure. Unveiling itself as the first-ever battery-powered marine vessel of its kind, THE ICON revolutionizes the way we envision emission-free travel.
The revolutionary watercraft powered by battery-electric drive, measures 13.15 meters in length and boasts a top speed of 30 knots. This groundbreaking collaborative endeavor was conceptualized and developed by BMW, marking a new era in watercraft design. The project represents a comprehensive exchange of expertise among professionals from various branches of mobility, with the BMW team leading the way. The creative minds at Designworks, an innovation hub and subsidiary of the BMW Group with studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Shanghai, were responsible for the design of THE ICON. The esteemed boat maker TYDE was entrusted with the development and realization of the concept, while the powerful electric drive system derives its energy from high-voltage batteries supplied by BMW i. To enhance the marine travel experience, the collaboration also features an exclusive soundtrack composed by the acclaimed film score luminary, Hans Zimmer.
THE ICON is a game-changer in the watercraft industry, setting new standards through its battery-electric drive system. Unlike smaller, limited-range electric boats or combustion engine-powered faster models dominating the market, THE ICON redefines the relationship between size, speed, and range in an electric watercraft. Leveraging hydrofoil technology from yacht racing, the vessel reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional hulls. This innovative technology allows the craft to ride on wing structures beneath the water’s surface, providing enhanced comfort and higher speeds.
Powered by two 100 kW electric motors and six BMW i3 batteries with a total energy capacity of 240 kWh, THE ICON offers an impressive range of over 50 nautical miles (approx. 100 km). With an operating speed of 24 knots and a maximum speed of 30 knots (55 km/h), this watercraft glides silently, without vibrations, shocks, or waves.
The design team was tasked with creating an iconic experience for the unique watercraft concept. They focused on both the exterior and interior views, aiming to make a lasting visual impact. The watercraft features a flat hull and a central support element, designed with technical precision. Its prism-like shape allows for a spacious entrance into the luxurious lounge, with a width of 4.5 meters in the rear section. The hull stands out with its lightweight origami structure. By utilizing foiling technology, the designers replaced conventional side sections with large glass surfaces, providing passengers with an extraordinary view as they glide above the water. The addition of modern LED light strips at the bow, stern, and charging connection points further enhances the iconic effect of THE ICON.
The lounge area features angled glass doors and artistically designed furniture placed on a luxurious carpet, creating a vibrant and visually captivating atmosphere reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The furniture pieces are constructed using sections of metal sheeting, which have a granular surface that reflects sunlight onto the floor, resembling waves on the sea. At the center of the user-focused experience are the 360° rotating seats, which offer convenience and accessibility. All essential features, including a tablet-based infotainment system, are strategically positioned within reach. The seats can be easily re-positioned with a simple twist, encouraging social interaction and making the lounge area an ideal meeting hub that seamlessly blends into any port or harbour setting.
The command station features a ship’s wheel and BMW-designed instruments, with a digital control unit replacing traditional nautical instruments. A 32-inch touchscreen display with high resolution and a BMW iDrive control system enables advanced information visualization and digital interaction. Voice commands can be used to access key functions such as range information and weather reports.
This fully production-ready watercraft is aimed at luxury-conscious private customers and the commercial sector. It offers emission-free and noiseless mobility on water, thanks to its powerful drive system and foiling technology.
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