When it comes to buying a car, comfort is just as important as performance, price and practicality. Although many seats can feel comfortable during a short drive, the real test comes after a few hours on the road. BMW tackled this challenge and achieved something extraordinary. The revolutionary M Visionary Materials seat not only redefined comfort, but also earned the Enlighten Award in the Sustainable Process category at the 2024 Automotive Research Center Seminar.
At first glance, the unconventional design of the seat frame attracts attention. It looks more like a creative art project than a car seat. BMW’s engineering team has worked tirelessly to ensure that, despite its unique design, the seat provides unparalleled comfort. However, the project was not all about comfort. It was also a bold step towards sustainability in the automotive industry.
BMW decided to create a seat with a lightweight construction and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. To achieve this, they used a range of environmentally friendly materials, including plant-based components, secondary raw materials, natural fibres, fiber composites, skin substitutes and even polymers derived from algae. This combination not only reduces the environmental impact, but also increases the recyclability of the seat, making it a true innovation in sustainable design.
One of the most striking aspects of this seat is its carbon footprint, which is 90 percent smaller than the carbon seats currently used in models such as the BMW M3 and M4. This significant reduction is made possible by the use of ultra-light, robotically wound fiber composite structures for the seat supports. In addition, the seat’s internal components are arranged in a way that simplifies the recycling process, demonstrating BMW’s commitment to the circular economy.
Although this seat is not yet available in production vehicles, it represents a key step towards the company’s future goals. BMW sees this project as an opportunity to explore new possibilities and educate its design teams. Roberto Roseti, Head of Total Vehicle Lifecycle Development at the BMW Group, explains, “The data obtained provides new insights, both in terms of today’s negative factors and in terms of the design of future processes. This experience provides a solid foundation for the continuous improvement of sustainability and the development of innovative solutions for advanced mobility.”
The BMW M Visionary Materials Seat is not just a seat; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to comfort, innovation and environmental responsibility. As automakers around the world prioritize sustainability, BMW is leading the way with bold ideas that inspire change and pave the way for a greener future.
Prepared by: Ivan Mitić – Autoblog.rs
Source: autoblog.rs
