BMW wants to get rid of wing mirrors – here’s how

The German-based vehicle manufacturer has launched the BMW i Vision Future Interaction Concept auto that comes with the BMW i 8 Mirrorless concept at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

In BMW’s scheme, three cameras replace the mirrors. A display in place of the conventional rearview mirror shows a composite wide-angle image. No adjustment of the cameras is necessary.

The manufacturer added that the system evaluates camera images and provides a situative response to imminent hazards, for example with yellow warning icons. Many state laws require cars to have side mirrors to reflect the rear view of the vehicle, though these cameras work to the same effect, so we’re not sure how BMW can maneuver around this complication.

BMW says its cameras are not only more advanced than mirrors but they’re also easier to use, because unlike conventional mirrors they don’t need to be adjusted to cater for different drivers.

Starting with the i8 Mirrorless concept, the model’s side mirrors have been replaced by two rearview cameras which are mounted on aerodynamically optimized holders. And further showing the benefit, rain obscured the view out the side windows, which would have impacted my view of the side mirrors.

For this concept, the i8 Mirrorless still sports struts off the doors, but these support cameras instead of mirrors.

While this unveiling is pretty neat, we’re not sure if it’ll ever make it out of concept into production.