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THE ICON – innovative tides

17 May 2023

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An ocean of ideas: This is particularly true of automotive engineering when it comes to developing a new model, a new platform or the new direction of the brand, as with the Neue Klasse from BMW. The goal? To think outside the box, but with a firm trajectory in mind. For example, the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: The BMW i7 – a new perspective ) recently reinterpreted the notion of luxury: sustainably innovative.

But what if you could transfer this luxurious, yet emission-free form of transport from the road to a new element – let’s say, to the water as we mentioned at the beginning? BMW, together with world-leading experts and boat builder TYDE, has dared to do just that with THE ICON. And besides batteries, it has contributed its technical expertise for the construction of a completely new watercraft.

Just as the tides are created by the interaction of the earth and the moon, the interplay of two factors was crucial in this shared vision: a focus on innovation and the joy of sustainable mobility.

Because, as Peter Dengler, head of THE ICON project, points out, this can be made possible in all segments. “Mobility on water is nearly ten times more energy-intensive than mobility on land. In the meantime, however, professional sailing has come up with solutions for substantially saving energy, paving the way for climate-friendly solutions. The decarbonization of mobility is already taking place in some areas. In other areas, however, there has not yet been innovation, so decarbonization has not even begun. There is currently no equivalent of luxury electric vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 offered on the water.”

He saw an extraordinary fascination in that visionary triad of sustainability, luxury and conscious pleasure: “Our team was particularly driven by the idea of creating the magical combination of innovation, digitalization and the relationship between people and technology, but most importantly, an incomparable zero-emission experience for the water.” What does the new mobility on the water look like? “The same characteristics found in BMW luxury vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 will be key in this element too: maximum sustainability combined with design, innovation and a unique driving experience.”

from sailing

The team broke free from the shackles of established development and design conventions right from the start. They deliberately set out not to design a boat, but rather create their own experience on the water. BMW has had trailblazing experience and long-standing involvement in sailing sports such as the premier class America’s Cup, the Formula 1 equivalent of boat racing.

A team of engineers built the first bridge between nautical technology and the most advanced electric mobility. Leading experts from all over the world were brought on board for this – including Guillaume Verdier, the world’s leading designer of the fastest and most efficient sailboats and responsible for the hull and hydrofoil of the last winning boat in the America’s Cup.

and the technical milestones

TYDE , a new, progressive lifestyle tech company and provider of experiences for luxury mobility at sea, was also at the rudder of this intelligent transfer of technology and expertise in the development of THE ICON. Dr. Christoph Ballin, the longstanding CEO of electric mobility pioneer Torqeedo, was instrumental in making electric mobility on the water fit for everyday use. Tobias Hoffritz is already a long-standing partner of BMW for technology and innovation projects with his company Second Sphere.

Developing the first maritime luxury electric vehicle has been an exciting journey for both: “THE ICON has a wealth of groundbreaking innovations on board that are suitable for anchoring climate-friendly mobility in the high-end segment as well. The yacht is available as a series product, and the technology platform developed means the model range can easily be expanded.”

delivers up to 80-percent energy saving

Foiling, a technology that delivers up to 80-percent energy saving, is a pioneering technical development that supports the sustainability goals of the new watercraft. This means BMW i batteries (➜ Read more: the material cycle of a battery cell ) can be used as a power source. How does that work? Foils consist of a stabilizing fin and two wings. They act like underwater wings that allow the watercraft to literally hover over the water – enabling THE ICON to be electrified by the power of BMW batteries alone.

The upper-side curvature creates a negative pressure, generating buoyancy. Water resistance on the hull is no longer a factor. The craft is lifted out of the water, reducing the resistance to a minimum – the watercraft literally hovers over the water. Two propellers on the rear foil provide propulsion for THE ICON. It takes between 10 and 12 seconds from startup to hovering. Flying about one meter above the water, feeling no wave impact at all feels exactly the same as comfortably gliding in the rear of the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: Theater screen in the BMW i7 ) on the road.

between people and technology

Dengler and Hoffritz found the interface was much more advanced in cars than on yachts. As a result, all maritime controls and navigation displays were bundled into a single control interface. “The intuitive, integrated user interface, based on the BMW ID8 operating system and a touch-sensitive display, delivers an automotive standard in boating,” explains Dengler. This ensures that operation is intuitive and integrative and can also be controlled interactively via voice commands.

SUSTAINABILITY

For all the senses.

Because the interpretation of modern luxury embraces all the senses, the technical innovations in the development and design of this new mobility concept, both below and above water, go hand in hand with a design that impressively combines esthetics and function. Designworks (➜ Read more: 50 years of Designworks ), the BMW innovation studio, has already served as a creative partner on land in the design of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 and in the air with the electric wingsuit (➜ Read more: The making of the wingsuit with e-motor ).

Water was yet another element to provide an exciting challenge for the Designworks team led by Tom Allemeier and Tommy Forsgren. The BMW Group subsidiary has earned a reputation over 50 years for designing mobility concepts for tomorrow – from road to rail and water to air.

When designing THE ICON, the design team was not looking to design a boat, but a new experience on the water. “We have developed a new design approach for a watercraft that is not exposed to waves but flies over the water with the help of foils,” said Tom Allemeier, Director of Design at Designworks. “So instead of the conventional side of the ship, a ceiling-high panorama window forms the outer facade. The result for passengers inside is a whole new experience with an unobstructed view – a luxurious ‘Infinite Space View’. This makes the view across the deck seem endless, merging with the water and the horizon,” says Allemeier.  The architecture is supported by what is known as a center spline, an iconic strut that extends centrally from the stern over the roof to the bow. With so much technological innovation, the design process was also unorthodox.

There was a lot of digital technology involved. We were able to use VR glasses to experience the space and see how the perspectives worked before the built model was ready.

Lead Designer on the Munich-based Designworks team

The expressive design language on the exterior is also reflected in the interior. The materials used evoke the feel of an elegant salon, the design language of a modern luxury lounge. Each passenger takes a seat in their own swiveling chair, including their own infotainment interface. A high-end DOLBY ATMOS audio system is on board. The interior space is promoted into a living space.

for the future

Where else can this technology transfer lead? Dengler and Ballin are upbeat about the development of future maritime mobility: “Solutions developed as part of THE ICON project will be used for various vehicles and applications to follow in the wake of THE ICON: from advanced private luxury to premium commercial and public mobility. THE ICON and its successors will inspire zero-emission luxury mobility at sea and open a new segment for sustainable luxury yachts.”

Author: Markus Löblein; Art: Verena Aichinger, Lucas Lemuth, Ha My Le Thi; Photos & Video: BMW

ELECTROMOBILITY

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Official data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. For vehicles type-approved after 01.01.2021 only WLTP values officially exist. For more information on the WLTP measurement procedures, see  https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/discover/efficientdynamics/bmw-emissions.html .

For more information on the official fuel consumption and official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars, see the 'Guide to Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions, and Electricity Consumption of New Passenger Cars', which is available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, and at  https://www.dat.de/co2/ .

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German automotive giant BMW continues its foray into electric watercraft by unveiling a new foiling day yacht that glides over the water and sets new standards for emission-free luxury watercraft design.

Christened The Open, this new luxury electric boat represents the second collaboration between BMW and German boatbuilder Tyde, following The Icon, which debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May this year.

The aim of the two companies for the new design was to create a larger, even more luxurious electric foiling yacht tailored to cater to the needs of private users who are interested in sustainable luxury watercraft. Actually, the design team claims The Open is the largest luxury foiling motor yacht for private owners.

“With The Icon, we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be,”  comments Christoph Ballin, co-founder and managing director of Tyde.  “The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fuelling the launch into another segment. The new model brings future-orientated mobility to the day yacht segment.”

Just like The Icon, the new Open foiling watercraft was developed in collaboration with the expert team at BMW’s industrial design studio spin-off Designworks and borrows state-of-the-art components and technology from the field of electromobility.

The renderings unveiled by the two companies showcase an open-walkaround day boat that measures 49 feet (15 meters) in length and has a maximum beam of 14.7 feet (4.5 meters). It is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts, which significantly reduces energy consumption.

According to the designers, the foils allow the motor yacht to glide over the surface of the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions, all the while saving almost 80 percent of energy.

In terms of power, the vessel will be equipped with a zero-emissions drivetrain similar to that fitted on The Icon. As such, we expect the foiling boat to boast a 400kWh bank of BMW i3 batteries and twin 100kW Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motors, which will allow it to start gliding above the water at around 17-18 knots. Lift will be generated by a T-foil at the bow and a twin-strut horizontal foil aft with forward-facing counter-rotating props.

The Open will be able to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and will offer 50 nautical miles of range while cruising at 25 knots.

In terms of amenities, The Open incorporates everything one expects a luxury day boat to offer. There is a two-seat helm station protected by an angular wraparound windshield and a large hardtop covered in photovoltaic panels. A small seating area can be found forward and presents a vantage point for spectacular views. The aft area of the open deck includes a dining space with sofas and a table, a sunpad, and a bathing platform.

As for the interior space of the new foiling day boat, there is accommodation for two people in a prismatic cabin with a spacious sleeping area, a small workspace, a large TV screen, and a fully equipped bathroom. Modern and luxurious, the cabin is flooded by natural light, which enhances the sense of space.

Tyde will handle everything related to the production and marketing of the Open  electric foiling yacht . The startup has now started taking orders for the innovative watercraft, with the first deliveries expected to commence in autumn 2024

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BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Home » BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Adrian Padeanu

May 17, 2023 / 2 minutes read

While we’re patiently waiting for BMW to introduce the Touring Coupe Concept on Friday and the new 5 Series / i5 next week, an entirely different type of product is making its debut at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. THE ICON is a joint effort between the Munich-based luxury automaker and boat manufacturer TYDE. The unexpected project traces its roots to an idea and concept conceived by BMW, with the styling penned by subsidiary Designworks.

At 13.15 meters (43.14 feet) long, THE ICON is imposing large, and yet it has zero emissions since it gets its necessary juice from no fewer than six batteries sourced from a BMW i3 . The large 240-kWh pack feeds a pair of electric motors, each producing 134 horsepower (100 kW). This dual-motor setup enables the posh boat to hit a top speed of 30 knots and provide an operating speed of 24 knots. With the battery fully charged, it can cover more than 50 nautical miles or 100 kilometers.

Further bridging a connection with BMW’s road-going EVs is the interior with a tablet mimicking the experience provided by the eighth-generation iDrive found in current models. THE ICON boasts a 32-inch touchscreen with a 6K resolution, making it just about as large as the 31.3-inch, 8K Theatre Screen inside the new 7 Series / i7. As with the electric road cars, Hans Zimmer was asked to develop a bespoke soundtrack to replace the thrill provided by a conventional engine.

Using an electric powertrain for such a large yacht is not as common as you might think as this type of drivetrain is mainly used for smaller boats. BMW goes as far as to say THE ICON is more than just a concept or a design study, mentioning it’s a “fully production-ready example.” It gets everything from 360-degree rotating seats to a lounge area, thus making it ideal for deep-pocketed customers looking for a high-end watercraft.

We can’t even fathom how much it would cost to buy but we’re certain it will spark an interest among one-percenters.

Source: BMW

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BMW and TYDE Usher in a New Wave of Luxury with “THE ICON”, An Electric Hydrofoil Yacht

Renowned carmaker BMW and maritime pioneer TYDE have unveiled THE ICON, a high-end electric watercraft yacht that soars above water. Revealed at Port de Cannes, THE ICON is a one-of-a-kind geometric and elevated hydrofoil yacht that leverages the German automaker’s high-voltage “BMW i” batteries to achieve emission-free travel combined with luxurious aesthetics.

Hovering ever so gently above the water, THE ICON is a small-sized battery-powered yacht with a stunning, faceted gem-like design. Unlike other yachts its size, THE ICON ditches the combustion engine for an electric powertrain, while also relying on a hydrofoil that heavily decreases aerodynamic drag, making it not just dazzling to the eye, but even when it comes to hitting high speeds.

Designers: BMW & TYDE

THE ICON measures 13.15 meters and has a top speed of 30 knots or 55 km/h. It uses hydrofoils, a technology borrowed from yacht racing, to achieve high speeds and reduce energy use. The hydrofoils lift the hull above the water, reducing resistance and enabling faster speeds. The foiling technology is only one aspect of THE ICON’s advanced design. The watercraft is powered by a pair of 100 kW electric motors that convert the energy from six BMW i3 batteries into a range of over 50 nautical miles. This extended range is a significant achievement for battery-powered marine craft.

THE ICON is a product of Designworks, BMW’s innovative design hub, in collaboration with boat manufacturer TYDE. The design of THE ICON is a departure from conventional maritime aesthetics, with a body that spans 4.5 meters at its broadest point in the rear, tapering to a semi-pointed tip reminiscent of a flat hull design. Geometric lines contour the body, perfectly framing the expansive ocean views.

The interior design of THE ICON is inspired by origami, creating an inviting and visually striking environment. The sloping ceiling and intricate design elements combined with the large windows create a light-filled, refreshing space. The color scheme, dominated by green and blue hues, enhances the fresh, modern atmosphere.

Unique design choices continue at the entrance of THE ICON, where BMW has fashioned angled doors. These doors aren’t merely functional; they’re sculpted from sections of metal sheeting to echo the curves of the interior design elements. This results in a textured surface that reflects sunlight onto the floor, recreating the beautiful interplay of light that one might see with waves on the sea. The chairs in the interior rotate 360°, offering occupants a stunning panoramic view of the sea around them as well as of the yacht’s edgy, luxurious design.

The captain of the yacht enjoys the expansive cockpit, which features a 32-inch touchscreen display with 6K resolution that serves as a navigation guide and a voice-activated feature that enables the captain to request range and weather information verbally.

Adding to the unique experience on THE ICON, BMW has partnered with renowned film score composer Hans Zimmer to provide an exclusive soundtrack for passengers. This soundtrack further enhances the experience for riders who can hop onto THE ICON for a short spin in the waters of the Bay of Cannes.

BMW unveiled THE ICON at the prestigious Port de Cannes, a fitting launch venue for this innovative watercraft. With THE ICON, BMW and THE TYDE have successfully combined luxury design and environmentally conscious performance to create a new paradigm in marine travel. This watercraft invites passengers to experience the future of luxury marine travel, where design, performance, and carbon-free transport intersect.

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BMW Just Unveiled a New 49-Foot Electric Foiling Yacht That Glides Over the Water

BMW and Tyde may have just proved bigger equals better.

The German marque and boatmaker have teamed up to create a larger, more lavish successor to the electric foiling yacht they debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. The new 49-foot Open has a good six feet on the previous 43-foot Icon . In fact, BMW claims the newcomer is the largest luxury foiling yacht for private owners.

"With the Icon , we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be," Christoph Ballin, cofounder and managing director of Tyde, said in a statement. "The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fueling the launch into another segment."

Once again penned by the folks at BMW's Designworks studio, Open is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts that significantly reduce energy consumption. Indeed, the setup saves almost 80 percent of energy, according to the design team. Essentially, the foils allow the vessel to glide over the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions.

As you might expect, the yacht features radical innovations developed by BMW for the automotive sector. The marque is again contributing components and expertise from the field of electromobility. The designers didn't give any figures regarding Open's speed or range, but Icon has a top speed of 30 knots, a cruising speed of 24 knots, and a range of more than 50 nautical miles on a single charge.

 "Our aim is to use pioneering design and intelligent technology transfer from the automotive sector to provide additional impetus for the BMW-typical joy of sustainable mobility," adds Stefan Ponikva, vice president of brand communication and brand experience for BMW. 

As its moniker implies, Open features a breezy open cockpit that connects guests with the sea. It offers "all the amenities of a luxury day yacht," according to the team. The futuristic exterior is balanced by a classic interior. Light streams in from both the top and sides, ensuring the salon is bright and airy. If you're wondering what it's like to ride on a high-speed foiling yacht, you can read about it  here .

Open is now available to order, with production set to start later this month. The first examples will be delivered in the fall of 2024.

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BMW Unveils Luxury Yacht Powered By BMW i3 Batteries

No less than BMW i3 batteries power this electric luxury yacht.

BMW and boat maker Tyde have unveiled The Icon - a new watercraft that's set to rival the Lexus LY in the realm of luxury yachts. With the 76th Cannes Film Festival as a backdrop to its arrival, The Icon is touted to be the first of its kind to feature a battery-powered marine propulsion system.

BMW spearheaded the development of The Icon, while Tyde turned the concept into reality. Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, was responsible for the design, while the electric drive system is also powered by a BMW. One of its key features is hydrofoil technology derived from yacht racing. According to the German marque, this innovation significantly reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional hulls, while also providing enhanced comfort and higher speeds.

The Icon is propelled by two 100-kW electric motors, which convert the energy stored in six BMW i3 batteries into a quiet journey at sea. Measuring 43 feet in length (shorter than the 65-foot Lexus LY), it can reach a top speed of 30 knots or 35 mph. In comparison, the Volvo IPS 1350 motor-equipped Lexus LY has a top speed of 32 knots or 37 mph.

Like the interior soundtrack of the BMW i7 , The Icon features an exclusive soundtrack composed by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer. The yacht also boasts a Dolby Atmos sound system, which should provide a rich listening experience to the passengers and crew alike.

Inside, The Icon has a lounge area decorated with artistically designed furniture. The 360-degree rotating seats are said to have the capacity to adapt to different occasions, as well as enhance interaction among passengers. Meanwhile, the digital control unit uses BMW's iDrive, while functions are accessible through voice commands and the 32-inch touchscreen display with 6k resolution.

BMW's The Icon adds to the list of cool things automakers make beyond cars . If you're interested, BMW and Tyde haven't disclosed the pricing as of this writing, but doubtless, it's something that only one-percenters can afford.

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BMW Will Unveil a Luxe Zero-Emission Yacht at the Cannes Film Festival This Year

The electric vessel will make its world premiere at the event on may 17., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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BMW is taking its electrification ethos from the car world to the yachting game.

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The Icon will be purposefully geared toward the upper crust, as the team believes the luxury sector is key to the decarbonization of the marine industry. “The luxury market is an important point of reference for other yachting segments,” Tyde cofounder Christoph Ballin said in a statement. “In addition, complex and elaborate solutions can be applied here first, before electric mobility becomes mainstream with large volumes in the coming years.”

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time BMW has dipped a toe in the marine industry. The nameplate established a marine division in 1919 after World War I to build engines for boats. BMW Marine was eventually sold to Mercury in 1987, but the automaker didn’t shut the door on boating completely. It launched a lifestyle brand called Yachtsport in the 2000s and became a sponsor of the America’s Cup. More recently, Designworks partnered with Sea Ray for a 26-foot sport boat. The SLX 260 , which was launched last year, showcased sexy, sportscar styling with a flowing S-shaped sheer line. Perhaps the Icon will feature a similar sleek silhouette?

The Icon’s world premiere is scheduled for May 17. The yacht will be presented and demonstrated by BMW and Tyde at the Vieux Port throughout the duration of the festival until May 27.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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66m offshore vessel Project UFO arrives at Lürssen for conversion

The 66-metre offshore rescue vessel Ocean Falcon has arrived at the Lürssen shipyard in Berne, Germany, to complete an extensive conversion. 

Work on the vessel, known as Project UFO, was originally set to take place at an alternative shipyard but arrived at Lürssen last week. The vessel is set to receive a four-metre extension and be transformed into an explorer yacht with plans to charter around the world.

The team at Lürssen will review the existing design and specification before a final quotation can be issued and work can commence. 

Original plans for the conversion project indicated a high-volume interior with room for four tenders, a submarine, a 10-metre swimming pool and two fully certified helicopter landing pads with an accompanying helicopter hanger. In addition, guests will have access to an expedition preparation room and a separate diving centre.

Alberto Perrone, director of yacht services at Lürssen said: "UFO is not a yacht in the traditional sense, but neither is it an explorer or support vessel. The best way to describe this new type of vessel is as a “Pick-Up Truck” on the water. We are well-positioned for such a conversion – the outstanding engineering capabilities of Lürssen and our experience is of great benefit for the project.”

"Much of the existing structure, hull and systems are to be retained – so the vessel will stay true to her commercial look but function like a yacht," the shipyard added.

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• Superyachts , Video

BMW have built a glass yacht that can literally fly

• BMW has teamed up with Tyde to build an electric boat called ‘The Icon’ – the world’s first all-glass flying yacht
• It features two 100kW electric motors powered by six BMW i3 batteries
• The emissions-free Icon can cover 50 nautical miles, using a hydrofoil-style set up to glide smoothly at up to 30 knots

Published on Feb 6, 2024 at 4:02PM (UTC+4)

• by Adam Gray

Last updated on Feb 6, 2024 at 4:02PM (UTC+4)

It’s probably not the news you were expecting to hear, but BMW has launched the world’s first all-glass flying yacht.

Built in collaboration with yacht manufacturer, Tyde , it’s a hydrofoil boat that looks like a supercar flying above the water.

Interesting fact: it’s called ‘The Icon’ as it’s actually powered by the same batteries you’d find under the hood of a BMW i3 – six of them to be precise.

READ MORE: Step into the future with this captivating 342ft Star Wars-inspired superyacht

The Icon is a hydrofoil, which means it can lift itself from the water as its speed increases.

Apparently ‘foiling’ – where the hull is above the surface, not below like conventional boats – reduces the energy required by up to 80 per cent.

It’s powered by two 134-hp (100-kW) electric motors that, when combined with the six batteries, provide a total capacity of 240kWh, giving it a top speed of 30 knots – equivalent to around 55 km/h on land.

In terms of range, The Icon can cover 50 nautical miles (100 kilometers / 62 miles) on a charge.

Okay, they may not be record-breaking stats, but then again this boat isn’t designed for speed and power – it’s designed as a work of art and a toy for the mega rich.

Design-wise, the inspiration came from Japanese origami.

It has a pointy ‘nose’ and a larger section at the back.

Speaking of which, the stern is characterized by two key features: a vertical structure that looks like a car spoiler, and a sizable aft deck.

Each section of the exterior is adorned with LED lights to make it shine at night, and the result is outstanding.

The interior is gorgeous, just like the cabin of a supercar or a luxury sedan.

It follows the same color theme as the exterior, with ocean blue upholstery and gold-tone accents.

In the cabin, you’ll find six 360-degree rotating armchairs with individual tablets within arm’s reach, as well as plush sofas and soft suede carpeting.

In the middle of the deck, the command station has iDrive-style controls and voice control.

What’s more, you also get a 32-inch ‘infotainment’ touchscreen display with 6k resolution.

But the best part about it is the noise aka the ‘on-board soundscape’.

A while ago, BMW partnered up with Oscar-winning score composer Hans Zimmer to create custom soundtracks for its cars.

The partnership extends to other BMW’s vehicles as well, including this boat.

As you sail along, the boat produces notes composed by Hans Zimmer himself.

Now that does sound good.

• Tags - BMW , superyachts

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