BMW has revealed its latest Art Car, the electric i5, which pays homage to the 1991 BMW 5 Series (E34) Art Car while incorporating innovative color-changing technology.
Developed by Australian BMW engineer Stella Clarke, the dynamic color-changing technology is utilized to recreate the intricate patterns of South African artist Esther Mahlangu, who originally designed the 12th BMW Art Car in 1991.
The BMW i5 Flow Nostokana Art Car, named after Ms. Mahlangu’s first son, is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and distinctive geometric designs synonymous with the artist.
Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations at the BMW Group, expressed her admiration for Mahlangu’s art, stating, “Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of color change on a car was just an idea in my head.”
In a video released by BMW, Clarke personally presents Mahlangu with a sample of the color-changing film during her visit to South Africa.
Mahlangu, impressed by the integration of modern technology with her traditional art, commented, “It is fascinating to me to see how modern technology can expand my art and make it accessible to a completely new audience.”
The BMW i5 Flow Nostokana features 1349 sections of laser-cut film, each individually controllable to achieve the desired color effects. Clarke had previously introduced the color-flipping technology on the BMW iX Flow concept in 2022, showcasing its ability to transition between white and black.
Subsequently, BMW showcased the i Vision Dee, a preview of the future electric 3 Series sedan, capable of cycling through 32 different colors within a year of the initial presentation.
