Future BMWs May Change Color While Driving

BMW is continuing to develop one of its most eye-catching ideas first introduced at CES in 2022. Working together with E Ink, the automaker recently presented the BMW iX3 Flow Edition concept at the Beijing Auto Show—a vehicle whose hood can display changing colors and animated visual effects.

The project uses E Ink Prism technology, which has now received the necessary safety certifications for use in automotive applications. At the show, BMW demonstrated a version of the iX3 equipped with a hood-integrated system capable of displaying eight different animation patterns.

One of the biggest advantages of the technology is its extremely low power consumption. Energy is only required during the active color-changing phase, meaning the system does not constantly drain power once the selected visual effect is set.

BMW says the iX3 Flow concept opens up new possibilities for personalization and self-expression. Instead of traditional paint, drivers could potentially customize how their vehicle looks depending on mood, weather, or specific driving situations.

The idea also has practical uses beyond style. For example, emergency vehicles like ambulances could use additional attention-grabbing visual elements to improve visibility in traffic. Another example could be changing a dark-colored roof to a lighter shade during extreme summer heat to help reduce cabin temperatures.

And of course, once designers get involved, the creative possibilities become even wider.

For now, BMW has not announced when this technology could reach production vehicles. Even if it does arrive soon, it will almost certainly debut first as a premium feature on high-end models before eventually making its way into more affordable segments later on.