BMW DesignworksUSA has conceived a new vehicle big on headroom, with seating capacity for the entire family — along with several hundred of their closest friends. The new Siemens Metro Inspiro, penned by the BMW Group-owned design consultancy, might lack the acceleration of an M5 sports sedan or the curves of a Z4 Roadster, but it is equipped with enough curious features and functions to give BMW’s iDrive interface a run for the money.
Purchased by BMW Group in 1995, DesignworksUSA is technically a separate entity from the Bavarian automaker, with studios in Munich, Southern California and Singapore. “We work for all three brands of the BMW Group as well as for many external clients from various industries,” said Niko von Saurma, director of the Munich studio, in an e-mail. “Working for the rail, the aviation, car and yachting industry for instance gives us a more comprehensive view on mobility design.”
For the Siemens Metro Inspiro, Mr. von Saurma said it was important to give the train “a recognizable face underground.” The triangular front end and large windows are meant to lend a modern look and feel, as well as excellent visibility. Lights on the train doors alert passengers of their impending closure, a feature intended to alleviate pushing matches when passengers hurry to exit or board. The floor of the Inspiro is lined with a recyclable cork blend material that also dampens interior noise.
So-called light-tree handrails sprout from the floor and branch outward to offer passengers multiple grab points. Ambient lighting above each tree is intended to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The first Siemens Inspiro Metro trains will be in service on the streets of Warsaw in 2012 at a cost of about $368 million for 35 trains. The train is not expected to come to the United States. “Inspiro will not be marketed in the U.S.,” Mr. von Saurma said. “Siemens covers this market with other models produced in Sacramento, Calif.”
