CES 2016: BMW i8 mirrorless concept car unveiled

BMW has taken the wraps off its i8 mirrorless concept at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016. In the most simple of terms, BMW has taken off the mirrors from the i8 and replaced them with cameras improving the aerodynamics of the car.

The two wing cameras are joined by a third camera which has been mounted on the upper edge of the rear windscreen. The images from three screens are combined together and displayed as a single image on a screen which has replaced the internal rear view mirror.

The benefits of such a setup include the ability to display warning signals and have a greater viewing angle thereby eliminating common problems like blind spots. In addition to this mirrorless concept, BMW also displayed the i3 extended rear view mirror concept. This involves a camera mounted on the roof providing an extended field of vision.   

While it is obvious that such technology is at least 5 to 10 years away from being fitted into budget cars, we know that they will be useful in a place like India where the use of ORVMs is almost negligent.