BMW iX3 Flow Edition showcases a hood that changes color using "electronic ink" technology.

BMW continues work on “color-changing” bodies

Since 2022 the automotive giant has been showcasing concepts with a coating that can change color thanks to “electronic ink” technology. At a recent exhibition in Beijing, BMW presented a more practical variant – the iX3 Flow Edition received a removable coating only on the hood. This solution looks closer to real-world use and promises to be more reliable than previous demonstrations.

Partnership with E Ink

The manufacturer of “electronic ink,” E Ink, has long been collaborating with BMW in this area. For the iX3 Flow Edition hood they developed an interactive panel that can be applied to the body and controlled via the vehicle’s instruments. According to BMW representatives, this generation of the panel is almost ready for mass production: it does not lose quality during daily use and meets the brand’s high standards.

However, it is still unknown when exactly such an option will become available for sale or even be implemented on a mass line. Official statements only mention that the technology has already been refined to the point where it can be “mass‑applied” in future models.

How it works

The panel consists of a million microcapsules that change color under an electrical signal. In its static state, the panel consumes no energy, so its use will not affect the car’s battery charge while idling. The iX3 Flow Edition concept includes eight monochrome patterns that can be switched via the vehicle’s standard head‑up display.

Because the panel can be applied even to curved surfaces, designers are not limited in their creativity. Nevertheless, BMW has yet to disclose details about a possible serial implementation of such an exterior element.

Conclusion

BMW continues to develop color‑changing coatings, making them more practical and ready for real-world use. The partnership with E Ink already allows the creation of interactive hood panels today, but it remains unclear when they will appear in mass production.