BMW debuts a zero-emission YACHT at Cannes with voice-controls and Hans Zimmer soundtrack
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Cannes has become even more luxurious! BMW introduces a zero-emission yacht at the film festival – complete with a voice-activated 32-inch touchscreen and a soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer
- BMW debuted its zero-emission ‘Icon’ yacht at the 76th Cannes Film Festival
- The glass boat is equipped with 360° rotating seats and an exclusive track
- It is also said to be ‘almost silent’ while running, with no jolts or vibrations
It’s one of the most glamorous movie events in the world, featuring A-listers from Johnny Depp to Quentin Tarantino.
But Cannes is now up a notch, with BMW debuting its luxury new yacht at the 76th annual film festival.
The new ‘Icon’ boat took the French coast by storm today as it demonstrated an exuberant but emission-free form of travel.
Alongside the smooth glass exterior are 360° swivel seats, a voice-activated touchscreen and a host of other high-tech features fit for royalty.
Even the sound system screams movie star glamor with an exclusive soundtrack by Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer tucked inside.
BMW debuted its zero-emission ‘Icon’ yacht at the glamorous 76th Cannes Film Festival
During its debut, the German car company emphasized that its prism-shaped boat “encompasses a future-oriented form of luxury,” which designers in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai have been working on.
It said: ‘The innovative vessel appeals with its unique design and also offers passengers a totally new experience of mobility. Here, in the midst of an exclusive on-board ambience, excellent comfort meets a significantly reduced impact on the environment.’
With a speed of 55 km/h, the 13.15 m long Icon is said to be a ‘pioneer for a new type of personal watercraft’ that sets ‘new standards’ with its electrically powered system.
Until now, BMW claims that electric marine navigation has been limited to smaller and slower boats with a short range.
But an innovation known as hydrofoils has been implemented to help Icon achieve higher speeds while maintaining passenger comfort.
This mechanism allows the boat to travel on submerged wing structures while the hull floats above the surface of the water.
The technology was originally used in yacht racing and is said to reduce the Icon’s energy requirements by up to 80 percent compared to other vessels.
In the meantime, two 100 kW electric motors convert the energy of six batteries into a range of approximately 100 km, with an average operating speed of 27 mph.
The glass boat is equipped with a 32-inch touchscreen display with voice control
Beyond the smooth glass exterior lie 360° swivel seats and numerous high-tech features
An innovation known as hydrofoils has been implemented in the Icon to help achieve higher speeds while maintaining passenger comfort
The German car company also claims that the Icon yacht is “almost silent” while sailing in the water
The 13.15 m Icon yacht is said to be a ‘pioneer for a new type of watercraft’
It has been made clear that the Icon is ‘not a design study or a concept’, but a ‘production ready’ example of breakthrough technology
This is controlled from the Icon’s command station, which is fitted with a classic BMW-style steering wheel.
Also here is a 32-inch touchscreen display, set up with voice control to provide useful information such as weather reports.
The German company claims the Icon is “almost silent” while running too, with a lack of “vibration or shock” during the ride.
It has been made clear that the Icon is ‘not a design study or a concept’, but a ‘production ready’ example of breakthrough technology.
Still, BMW told MailOnline there was “no current information” on when this could hit the market – and at what price.
The group continued: “THE ICON impresses with a powerful propulsion system that produces neither noise nor emissions. Its foil technology allows it to reach high speeds without generating waves or trailing a wake. Indeed, the only thing THE ICON leaves behind on every trip is fun and joy.”