BMW Malaysia has introduced a new web-based Augmented Reality (AR) experience to showcase the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport. This comes as the BMW Group seeks to innovate during the new normal and offer a new digital experience that brings the new xDrive45e to life right in front of its customers.
The experience does not require users to install any mobile app. Instead, you just need to point your web browser to a dedicated link. This makes the experience accessible on any smartphone with internet connectivity and a web browser. After loading the webpage and granting your web browser access to your camera, you will be presented with a 3D model of the xDrive45e.
From here you just need to find an empty spot in the room you are in with ample space to move around to see the virtual SUV from different angles. You can then adjust the size of the vehicle with a pinching gesture, making it close to lifesize or shrink it down to the size of a toy truck. To view the xDrive45e from different angles you need only slide your finger across the screen to view it from any angle.
Apart from that, you can bring up more information about different parts of the vehicle by tapping on certain hotspots such as the bonnet, windscreen, charging port and boot. Disappointingly the one thing missing from the experience is an option to see the interior of the SUV.
In addition, you can change the appearance of the vehicle by altering its colour between Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Artic Grey.
When we tried the AR experience for ourselves, we found that it loaded faster and was smoother on an iPhone compared to an older Android smartphone. Arguably, you can find out more information about the xDrive45e by viewing a product video.
Just for a quick recap, the new xDrive45e is the German automaker’s latest plug-in hybrid SUV that comes powered by a three-litre six-cylinder engine with BMW’s eDrive technology. It is capable of outputting 394 hp and 600 Nm of torque, a top speed of 235km/h and sprints from 0 -100km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
It is also able to be driven in a full-electric mode thanks to the vehicle’s 24kWh lithium-ion battery it has an electric driving range of up to 77km on a full charge at a top speed of 135km/h.
The new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport has a retail price of RM440,745 (on-the-road without insurance)
For more information, please visit BMW’s website.
