This isn’t the first time BMW has dipped its toe into the boat game, but it’s certainly one of the most interesting, as the automaker teams up with Tyde to create “The Icon” electric luxury vessel.
Launched amid the Hollywood glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, “The Icon” has plenty of panache itself, arriving with a luxurious interior and an “on-board soundscape” designed by the one and only Hans Zimmer.
This emissions-free vessel arrives with two electric motors, each packing 100kW that draws from not one, but six BMW i3 batteries to guarantee a range of at least 50 nautical miles. Thanks to its ability to foil above the surface of the water, unlike conventional boats, “The Icon” is able to reduce its energy requirements but up to 80% and is able to achieve speeds of 30 knots.
Essentially a floating luxury lounge, it arrives complete with six swivelling chairs that feature their own tablets to keep you entertained, while the captain is able to see everything from a central command station that boasts a massive 32-inch touchscreen with an impressive 6K resolution. Measuring 13 metres from point to point and clad in panoramic glass to enjoy the views of the open water, runabout boats don’t get much better than this.
