BMW has collaborated with German technology startup TYDE to unveil a new 13.5-meter foiling watercraft called The Icon. The first unit has been manufactured in Europe as a showcase vessel and will make its début this week at the Cannes Film Festival.
The battery-powered model has a remarkable range of over 50 nautical miles at 24 knots and a top speed of 30 knots. Hydrofoils seek to improve efficiency by up to 80% compared to conventional hulls and contribute to faster speeds and increased comfort while underway.
The boat’s design features a flat trimaran-style hull with a “prism-like” configuration and a central superstructure support. The two-tone exterior, inspired by the sea, is illuminated by LED panels that define the boat’s profile at night.
The yacht’s interior “origami”-style design provides ample headroom, allowing passengers to stand up straight throughout the compartment. The cabin is divided into two distinct lounge areas and a BMW-designed helm station with swiveling helm seats that enable the area to function as part of the social area or independently. In the center of the steering wheel is a 32-inch, 6k-resolution, touch-screen digital control unit designed to resemble the BMW iDrive operating system. Additionally, voice control is incorporated into the same system.
Glass panels flanking the cabin facilitate a continuous connection to the water. This philosophy extends to the aft swim platform, which spans 4.5 meters and creates an “exceptionally spacious” cabin entrance.
In a press release, TYDE explained that each individual piece of furniture is made of granular metal that reflects sunlight-like waves around the cabin.
The Icon is also equipped with a Dolby Atmos system that incorporates contributions from Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
The vessel was created “as a series product with innovative technology for private or even commercial use” with the intention of “inspiring CO2 -free mobility on the water.” It will be on exhibit during the Cannes Film Festival at the Vieux Port.