E-ink has long been used on electronic book readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, because it's a low-power way to create a high-resolution display. By sending an electrical signal through the material, the design can change to show the next page of a book. In 2022, BMW adapted the technology to create color-changing paint for the exterior of its iX Flow concept, and the automaker has continued to refine the idea since then, with plans to offer the feature on production vehicles eventually. Now, BMW is showing the latest step in its automotive e-ink development by bringing the iX3 Flow Edition concept to Auto China 2026 in Beijing. The German automaker says, "Integrated into a large-scale bodywork element for the first time, the concept car demonstrates the technology’s readiness for series production." The BMW iX3 Flow Edition Has A Color-Changing Hood BMW At first glance, the iX3 Flow Edition concept looks like any other example of the new electric SUV that's soon hitting the road. However, its hood has a unique feature. It incorporates e-ink into blocky vertical stripes emanating from the panel's base near the windshield. According to BMW, the motif is supposed to evoke high-rise buildings in a Chinese city. The driver can select among eight animations at the touch of a button. BMW The video below shows the system in action. It can create the outline of a skyline, then add color to it in various patterns. While the e-ink display doesn't seem to serve any functional purpose, the patented technology would be a way for owners to set their vehicle apart. It's conceivable that the animation could synchronize with the illuminated grille and puddle lights to create quite a show when the owner approaches the vehicle. Previous Flow Edition concepts have had more extensive e-ink elements. For example, the version on the iX could transform from a white body to a black exterior, while incorporating complex two-color patterns. Later, the i Vision Dee concept expanded on this idea by dividing the body into 240 e-ink segments that could display 32 hues. The result was similar to the cars in the video game Cyberpunk 2077, where cars can change colors at the press of a button. BMW BMW previously said that it would have the automotive e-ink technology ready for production vehicles as soon as 2027. Judging by the automaker's latest statement and unveiling of the iX3 Flow Edition concept, the company is on track to achieve its goal. The 2027 BMW iX3 goes on sale in the United States this summer. It launches in the 50 xDrive trim that produces 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. It can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. There's no indication of the e-ink body panels being available with the electric SUV launches. BMW's Other Highlights In Beijing BMW Beyond the iX3 Flow Edition, BMW has a few other vehicles on display in Beijing. It's showing off the iX3 Long Wheelbase, i3 Long Wheelbase, and the latest 7 Series there. "With the introduction of the new BMW iX3 for China, the BMW i3 for China, and the new BMW 7 Series, we are marking an important milestone in the biggest future project in BMW’s history: the Neue Klasse. We are making a major leap – in technology, driving experience, and design." - Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management, BMW AG BMW engineered the long-wheelbase versions of the iX3 and i3 specifically for China. The SUV can cover over 559 miles (900 kilometers) on a charge, and the sedan is capable of over 621 miles (1,000 kilometers), according to the local CLTC. Both support 400-kilowatt fast charging, which allows for recouping 249 miles (400 kilometers) in 10 minutes. Source: BMW
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