The BMW i Vision Circular is what your compact BMW could look like, come 2040

BMW has presented the i Vision Circular a concept car that explores what a compact vehicle from the firm could look like, come 2040.

Focused squarely on sustainability and luxury, the four-seater is fully electrically powered and offers a generous amount of interior space within its around four metre-long footprint. It has also been designed according to circular economy principles across the board, symbolising the BMW Group's ambitious plan to become the world's most sustainable manufacturer in the individual premium mobility space.

The i Vision Circular thus sports the iconic BMW kidney grille, except here it has been interpreted as a digital surface, minimising the number of parts and materials used for minimal environmental impact.

The kidney surfaces extend across the entire width of the front end, merging with the head lights into an unmistakable 'double-icon', said to continue to stand as a clear BMW identifier. The car has otherwise relinquished any other decorative elements.

And this applies to the concept's flanks too, where a mono-volume design has been utilised, minimising the variety of materials used.

Here, a large-surfaced, flush-glazed passenger compartment lends a sense of modernity and lightness. A slim digital surface extending like a ribbon around the Hofmeister kink is used to show information about the vehicle and guide users to the door handle as they approach the car.

The use of paint has been avoided for the exterior of the car, which instead shows of its aluminium body with a light-gold anodised finish. However, the rear utilises a heat-treated steel to deliver a bluish-purple hue for contrast against the front.

The cabin of the i Vision Circular however, sports a grey and light mint green colour scheme instead, while the seats come in violet for a homely feel.

Those at the front get a velvet-like upholstery, with seat shells that deliver a terrazzo-look finish. Both materials are made from recycled plastic.

The instrument panel here has been turned into a 'phygital' user interface, and takes the form of a hovering, V-shaped sculpture that projects out into the cabin. At its heart is a 3D-printed, crystal body with nerve-like structures running through it, providing great visual depth and an enthralling lighting effect.

A 3D-printed steering wheel made from bio-based material adds to the natural and warm feel of the cabin.