Much as it did with the i3 earlier this decade, BMW is hedging all its technology resources for deployment in the brand’s iNext electric SUV, due for debut in 2021.

Although BMW has tabled claims for range (600 km) and other capabilities of the iNext, designers have not been willing to divulge much about the vehicle’s cabin environment.

In a world where vehicles are fielding continuously larger and more complex infotainment screens, BMW’s interior designers have attempted to provide a solution that does not overly distract a driver from what is happening up ahead.

Automotive user interface design has been criticised of late due to the very real risk of overburdening a driver’s attention and distracting from what it actually happening on the road. BMW’s solution is an oversized widescreen, consolidating both infotainment and instrumentation functions. And it is curved.

Mounted on hidden structural supports, BMW says the iNext cabin screen will have a floating appearance and be as thin as possible – thanks to the use of advanced magnesium materials.

BMW’s logic behind its curved design is that the driver can merely glance slightly sideways to see infotainment function information, instead of staring down and having to focus on a flat central screen.

While the image BMW supplied doesn't make it abundantly clear as to how it works or how it's layed out, it does give us insight into the technology route BMW is embarking on with its interiors.

For BMW traditionalists this will be a very welcome return the brand’s once legendary driver-centric ergonomics, famed in cars such as the e30 3 Series and e34 5 Series, which featured centre-stacks that were curved towards the driver.

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