BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA: The Art Car That Changes Colors On Demand

BMW has unveiled a unique art car that combines the latest technology with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is a one-of-a-kind electric sedan that can change its exterior color and pattern at the touch of a button, thanks to the innovative E Ink technology developed by BMW.

What is E Ink and how does it work?

E Ink is a technology that allows for dynamic color changes on the surface of vehicle bodies. It is based on a similar principle as e-book readers, where millions of microcapsules containing white and black pigments are embedded in a film. By applying an electric voltage, the pigments can be moved to the surface of the microcapsules, creating different shades of gray. The technology is extremely efficient, as it takes no electricity to maintain the color state.

BMW has been developing and advancing E Ink technology since its first public appearance in 2022, when it presented the BMW iX Flow, an SUV that could switch its entire exterior color from black to white and back again. Since then, the technology has evolved to allow for faster and more diverse color changes and more complex patterns and animations.

What is the inspiration behind the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA?

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is inspired by the 12th BMW Art Car, a 1991 BMW 525i E34 designed by Esther Mahlangu, the first woman and African artist to work on an official BMW Art Car. Mahlangu is known for her colorful geometric paintings that reflect the Ndebele culture and tradition. She used acrylic paint and a chicken feather to create her distinctive patterns on the BMW 525i, exhibited at museums and events worldwide.

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA pays homage to Mahlangu’s art car by using two strips of E Ink film that run along the hood, roof, sides, and rear of the vehicle. The strips contain 1,349 sections of individually controllable film, which can create different animations and patterns based on Mahlangu’s designs. The vehicle also features a unique sound created by Renzo Vitale, acoustic engineer and sound designer at the BMW Group, to enhance the visual experience.

The vehicle's name, NOSTOKANA, means “my son” in Ndebele and is the name of Mahlangu’s first son. The vehicle is a tribute to Mahlangu’s legacy and a celebration of her cultural heritage.

Where and when can you see the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA?

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA made its world premiere at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair on February 29, 2024, where it was displayed alongside Mahlangu’s original BMW 525i Art Car, which returned to South Africa for the first time in more than 30 years. The vehicle will also be showcased at other events and exhibitions around the world, as part of BMW’s ongoing commitment to supporting art and innovation.

The BMW i5 is not only a stunning art car but also a demonstration of the potential of E Ink technology for vehicle design. The technology opens up new possibilities for individualization and personalization, as well as for improving vehicles' energy efficiency and safety. BMW is exploring the feasibility of bringing E Ink technology to series production, but for now, the technology remains exclusive to these concept cars.

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is the latest example of how BMW combines art and innovation to create unique and memorable experiences for its customers and fans. The vehicle is a testament to BMW’s vision of the future of mobility, where technology, design, and culture are seamlessly integrated.