BMW has partnered with boatmaker Tyde to reveal “The Icon” electric boat at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. The Icon is powered by a large lithium-ion battery pack and twin motors from BMW’s i division.
The Icon from BMW sports a hydrofoil from yacht racing that helps it reach a top speed of 30 knots (55km/h) on the water. The Icon has an operating speed of 24 knots (44.4km/h).
Providing power to this hydrofoil setup is a set of 134bhp (100kW) electric motors that are powered by a 240kWh battery pack. This power storage unit is made using 6 battery packs from the BMW i3 and it delivers a range of 100 kilometres on a charge.
The innovative hydrofoil tech combined with the all-electric drivetrain means that The Icon is almost silent when it charges across the seas without any vibrations or shocks. The Icon also does not send out waves in its wake and consumes up to 80 per cent less power compared to regular boats.
The hydrofoil tech also means that The Icon which measures 13.15 metres long sports a hull that floats above the water. This helps it reach those fast speeds on the waves while increasing the level of comfort for those inside compared to conventional boats.
The Icon was designed by BMW’s subsidiary, Designhouse which has studios in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai. The body of the all-electric boat features a very flat hull and a central support element for the transparent architecture of the boat which looks like a prism out on the seas.
The boat is rather wide at the rear at 4.5 metres which allows for a spacious entrance into the luxurious lounge-style interiors. The artistically designed furniture on a luxurious carpet reminds you of a kaleidoscope with every piece made from sections of sheet metal whose surface reflects sunlight into the floor.
The seats rotate 360 degrees and are at the core of the experience inside the icon with everything including the tablet-based infotainment system all within reach. The seats can be re-positioned to facilitate social interactions making The Icon a meeting hub that feels at home in any port or harbour.
The infotainment screen is a 32-inch touchscreen display with 6k resolution that runs BMW’s Operating System 8. This display can bring up crucial information like range information and weather reports and supports voice commands.
The Icon features large glass side panels along with LED light strips at the bow and stern and on the charging connection points. The sound signature for the Icon is provided by Hollywood legend and two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
The Icon from BMW and Tyde combines a stunning design with innovative hydrofoil tech and an EV powertrain to make a near-silent boat that feels like it would fit right in with the glitz and the glam of the Cannes Film Festival.
