Unusual Steering Wheel of the BMW New EV. © BMW
BMW explains that its new EVs feature an unusual two-spoke steering wheel to improve visibility.
The vertical-spoke design reduces the amount of obstruction the wheel creates behind it, giving drivers a clearer view of key information.
Some critics questioned the move away from the brand’s classic three-spoke style, but BMW Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk clarified the idea behind it.
Steering Wheel of the BMW New EV. © BMW
According to BMW Blog, the design was chosen to keep the new Panoramic Vision display, positioned at the base of the windshield, fully visible. Traditional horizontal spokes would have obstructed the screen, so the design team rotated them vertically instead.
In short, the steering wheel was shaped around the display, not the other way around.
The redesign also shifts buttons off the spokes and onto small “satellite” controls on the outer rim, separated from the center by an open gap.
To address concerns about handling, van Hooydonk even tested the wheel on a skid pad, confirming it still performs safely, even during drifting.
To address concerns about handling, van Hooydonk even tested the wheel on a skid pad, confirming it still performs safely, even during drifting.
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