BMW Mirrorless technology coming to production in 2019?

BMW presented the i8 Mirrorless concept at the CES 2016. This is a car uses two small cameras as side mirrors, accommodated in aerodynamically optimized holders supplemented by a third camera mounted on the upper edge of the rear windscreen. All images are merged and displayed as a single image on a high-resolution display suspended in the position of the rearview mirror. The image of the traffic behind the car covers a greater viewing angle than could be observed using the interior and exterior mirrors. No adjustment of the cameras is necessary. The display is around 300 millimeters wide and 75 millimeters high. The casing is rounded at the side and this conveys a natural panoramic perception of the traffic behind the car.

A report from Focus says this type of technology is not very far from being produced. BMW development chief Elmar Frickenstein says a production series BMW with the mirrorless technology is still about three years away and the technology opportunity will provide additional safety, more comfort and even reduced fuel consumption. The upcoming 2019 facelift the 7 Series may also get this technology.

“First, should there be a development like a mirror camera, it will trickle from top to bottom in the upcoming model family,” says Frickenstein.