BMW is inching closer to bringing a color-changing car to market, with its latest concept embedding an E Ink panel into the vehicle's hood, signaling that the technology is almost ready for mass production.
At CES 2022, BMW unveiled the iX Flow concept, which could dynamically alter its appearance using E Ink—a technology akin to that found in Kindle e-readers. However, that early prototype was more of a proof of concept. Now, the new iX3 Flow Edition takes a more practical approach by integrating the color-changing panel into the hood, streamlining the process for potential commercial use.
The iX3 Flow Edition was showcased at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, and according to BMW, this iteration is not just a design study but a significant step towards production viability. The panel on the hood can shift between multiple colors, allowing for personalization on the fly.
BMW has not announced a specific release date for a production model, but the iX3 Flow Edition demonstrates that the technology is maturing. The company is exploring how E Ink can be applied to future vehicles, potentially allowing owners to change their car's color at the touch of a button.
"With the iX3 Flow Edition, we are showing that color-changing technology is no longer a distant dream but a tangible innovation that we are working to bring to our customers," said a BMW spokesperson.
The move aligns with BMW's broader push towards electrification and digital customization, as automakers increasingly look for ways to differentiate their vehicles in a crowded market.