A 600hp plug in hybrid concept from BMW called the Vision M Next.

The concept is capable of 100 km of electric-only driving and can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 3 seconds. A "Boost+" mode delivers extra power at the push of a button.

The BMW Vision M Next is a powerful old beast….

The 600-hp plug-in hybrid offers a choice of electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The concept is capable of 100 km of electric-only driving and can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 3 seconds. A "Boost+" mode delivers extra power at the push of a button.

Tech forward

Like most concepts, the Vision M Next is brimming with tomorrow's technology and materials.

Facial recognition technology allows the car to unlock automatically as the driver approaches. The minimalist interior appears as if cut from a single mould, with functional elements such as the air vents integrated and almost out of sight. The seat shells are upholstered in a foam material with shape memory properties that support the body.

The horizontally arranged steering wheel features two small displays. A curved glass display stretches around the steering wheel like a visor. Adding to that is an "augmented reality head-up display" in the windshield.

The information displayed on the plethora of screens is adapted to the current speed. As the vehicle speeds up, the information centres increasingly on driving-related data and moves into the driver's eye-line, BMW said.

Source: Automotive News and BMW Press Club.