BMW

EXCLUSIVE: German brand files patent for conventional steering wheel that can take the shape of a fork at the touch of a button

The German automaker is always looking to provide an exhilarating driving experience, but it also offers luxury models like the 7 Series sedan. This car combines luxury and cutting-edge technology, but comes with an extremely powerful engine developed by the sports brand BMW M, which offers dual use. So how does a brand that claims to provide the most exhilarating driving experience while providing an enormous degree of comfort?

Well, a new patent might provide the answer. A patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes a conventional steering wheel that can assume the shape of a fork at the touch of a button.

We found several variations on the controversial fork design that Tesla adopted, and Lexus has recently refined the idea. BMW is also no stranger to unusual steering systems, creating something even more versatile. But it seems that all these steering solutions are not suitable as BMW filed a new patent in September 2019 and the last patent publication took place in January of this year.

In it, the document portrays and describes a round steering wheel, whose shape can be changed by the simple action of a special lever. It will be located in the same position as the lever that adjusts the height and distance of the wheel.

The app further explains that this lever can be operated manually or a button can be installed to electronically control the mechanism. Either way, you might be wondering why such a thing would be beneficial in the first place. In "Comfort" mode, the driver can "feel" even more relaxed with the traditional shape of the steering wheel, and then, when switching the car to "Sport" mode, the driver can feel like piloting a spaceship thanks to the steering wheel with yoke design.

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