Skip to main content

BMW’s latest project? An EV yacht dubbed THE ICON

Make waves with the new EV yacht from BMW

THE ICON, BMW's new EV Yacht
BMW

Step into the world of THE ICON, where luxury and sustainability dance together on the shimmering waves of the sea. On May 17, BMW’s latest project, THE ICON, was unveiled at the charming port town of Cannes. Amid all the excitement of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, this mesmerizing vessel steals the show.

THE ICON is an extraordinary watercraft that defies expectations. It’s not just your ordinary vessel — it’s a symbol of cutting-edge innovation. Powered by batteries, this EV yacht is perfect for emission-free travel. Prepare to be swept away!

THE ICON, BMW's new EV Yacht
BMW

With its imposing length of 43.14 feet and an impressive top speed of 30 knots, THE ICON marks a new era for battery-electric watercraft. This groundbreaking creation is the result of a brilliant collaboration between BMW, its group subsidiary Designworks, and TYDE. 

Recommended Videos

TYDE’s masterful craftsmanship brought the concept to life, while BMW and Designworks supplied the vision and the high-voltage batteries for the electric drive system. Thanks to them, this yacht sets new standards in marine electric mobility. 

THE ICON comes alive with a pair of 100 kW electric motors and 6 BMW i batteries, pulsating with a total of 240 kWh of energy. With a range surpassing 50 nautical miles (approximately 100 km), you can really feel the rush as it cruises at an operating speed of 24 knots, with a maximum speed that reaches 30 knots.

What’s the secret behind this groundbreaking achievement? Hydrofoils, my friend. Inspired by the world of yacht racing, THE ICON embraces this advanced hull form, which slashes its energy requirement by a staggering 80% compared to conventional designs. As it gracefully glides across the water, the foiling technology allows the craft to ride on wing structures beneath the water’s surface, granting you unparalleled comfort, exhilarating speed, and minimized energy consumption.

But that’s not the best part! Thanks to the innovative drive system and foiling technology, you can finally bid farewell to annoying noise, unpleasant vibrations, and disruptive wakes. THE ICON leaves nothing behind but pure pleasure and boundless joy. 

THE ICON, BMW's new EV Yacht
BMW

As you step into THE ICON, prepare to be captivated by its enchanting design. Its prism-like transparent architecture stands as a testament to its allure, catching the eyes of all who see it. Venture inside, and a spacious lounge entrance welcomes you, boasting an indulgent rear section width of 14.7 feet. The lightweight origami structure of the hull ensures a seamless travel experience, while expansive glass surfaces treat you to panoramic views of the glistening water. Iconic LED light strips illuminate the bow, stern, and charging connection points, bathing the vessel in an enchanting glow that accentuates its beauty.

Then, open the angled glass doors to be transported to a realm of elegance. The lounge area beckons, promising the best of parties or private interludes. 360-degree rotating seats foster social interaction with a simple twist, and within easy reach, a tablet-based infotainment system ensures that every moment onboard THE ICON becomes a cherished memory. To elevate the experience, BMW has outfitted The Icon with the Dolby Atmos sound system. With its unparalleled sound quality, the Dolby Atmos system is perfect for the exclusive soundtrack composed by frequent BMW collaborator and film composer Hans Zimmer. 

THE ICON is more than just a watercraft. This vessel is a manifestation of boundless imagination and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. THE ICON awaits, so let your dreams set sail.

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Aston Martin British Bloodline, a display of iconic vehicles, is now open at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
James Bond's Aston Martin appeared in seven 007 films
Fontainebleau Aston Martin British Bloodline 1963 Aston Martin DB4GT.

Aston Martin fans will have the chance to see both historically important and current models through November 24 at the Fontainebleau La Vegas. The Aston Martin British Bloodline collection appearance is held in conjunction with the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21 to 24.
Why the Aston Martin British Bloodline collection is at FontaineBleau Las Vegas

The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team competes in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which brings the British car brand to the city. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film Goldfinger, in which Bond's tricked-out Aston Martin DB5 was the first of many Bond Aston Martins. Because of its appearance in the film, the DB5 is the most-recognized car in the world, according to the company.

Read more
The 2025 Porsche 911 GTS Hybrid drives excitement into the future
The 2025 Carrera GTS is the first hybrid 911 in history
Porsche 911 GTS

In the not-too-distant past, telling someone you owned a hybrid meant that you were willfully making a conscious choice to sacrifice speed and performance for better fuel economy and a greener future. And while we as enthusiasts don't hate the planet, it was always a little depressing to hear this, as it felt like hybrids were the precursors of an inevitable speed- and concurrently soul-sucking future.

Slowly (and ironically), however, the idea of being fast and environmentally conscientious became increasingly real. Beginning with the revolutionary BMW i8 in 2014, we saw sports cars learning to use some trickle-down F1 tech. When Porsche debuted the incredible 918 Spyder it was only a matter of time before hybrid technology made its way down to the iconic 911. Finally, 2025 Carrera GTS brings us the first of its kind, and the future has never looked brighter.

Read more
BMW previews the Concept F 450 GS mid-range adventure bike
An adventure-style, off-road capable-bike in the 450 cc mid-range class
A rider and a BMW Motorrad BMW Concept F 450 GS parked in desert left rear three-quarter view.

BMW Motorrad recently previewed the BMW Concept F 450 GS, a near-production version of a new BMW off-road capable motorcycle class intended to extend accessibility to riders looking for a mid-range bike. Because it is a concept vehicle, details may change before production.
Why the BMW Concept F 450 GS matters

"The BMW Concept F 450 GS carries the characteristic DNA of the GS family," says Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. "We have succeeded in designing the Concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form."

Read more