What's the news?
To celebrate the impending launch of the all-electric i3, BMW has launched an app for both smartphones and tablets that combines a virtual test drive with saving the world.
The app is called "Become Electric" and is available on the Apple App store now, and on Google Play from 26th September. The interactive film has been shot in full 360-degree detail by Emmy Award-winning director, Jason Zada; and it even comes with surround sound. BMW claims that this is indeed the first-ever 360-degree interactive film shot for an app; and players can take control of the camera view by simply manoeuvring their device.
"Become Electric allows consumers to experience the future of mobility in a revolutionary and exciting new way," says Chris Brownridge, BMW UK Marketing Director. "You are at the wheel of the new BMW i3 electric car for almost the entire film all while being immersed in a big Hollywood-style movie."
Anything else?
In conjunction with the Become Electric app, BMW has also launched an interactive service for potential customers of its new i-range of cars. With both the i3 and i8 coming to market in the not-too-distant future, the "BMW i Genius" uses bespoke software to answer live questions on the range via a text message style service.
The BMW i3 will be on sale in the UK later this year with prices starting from £25,680. The i8 sports car will be available from £99,845, though this will not be on sale until the middle of 2014. Both prices include the Government's £5,000 electric-vehicle grant.
James Giddings - 13 Sep 2013