BMW and TYDE unveil the luxury electric yacht THE ICON

At the 76th Cannes Film Festival, , BMW and TYDE have dazzled the world with the unveiling of “THE ICON“, a watercraft that promises to redefine sustainable mobility with this battery-powered marine vessel, offering emission-free local journeys with the highest level of aquatic luxury. In collaboration with the award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and the team at Designworks, they have managed to create a prototype that we hope will see the light of day in the future.

The launch ceremony took place in the port area of Cannes, swapping the cinema screen for the waters of the south of France. With 13.15 metres in length and a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h), “THE ICON” is the ambassador of a new era of luxury electric boats, blending a unique design with a vision of emission-free mobility.

This avant-garde project is the result of the alliance between BMW and TYDE. Its design has been led by the creatives at Designworks, whose studios extend from Los Angeles to Munich and Shanghai. TYDE, for its part, has carried out the development and manufacturing of this state-of-the-art vessel.

The electric propulsion system of “THE ICON” is powered by the advanced high-voltage batteries from BMW i, ensuring powerful and efficient performance. The soundtrack for the crossing comes courtesy of the renowned composer Hans Zimmer, adding a unique artistic dimension to the sailing experience.

Hydrofoil technology

What truly sets “THE ICON” apart is its innovative marine flight technology: the hydrofoils. This technology has made it possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 80%, marking a before and after in electric boats. The hydrofoils allow the vessel to glide above the water, providing a smooth ride and higher speeds.

Two 100 kW electric motors convert the 240 kWh of energy from six batteries of the BMW i3 into a range of more than 50 nautical miles (100 km). With an operating speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 30 knots, “THE ICON” glides almost silently, with no vibrations and no wake, marking a new era in sustainable navigation.

The luxury of BMW taken to sea

The design of this luxury yacht goes beyond aesthetics; it is a fusion of engineering and art, expressed through a body composed of a flat hull and a central support element, giving the vessel a precise technical design language. The modern strips of LED lights, the large glass surfaces and the prismatic contour give life to a unique aesthetic.

Inside, “THE ICON” becomes a luxurious social space. Angled glass doors lead to a lounge that resembles an artistic kaleidoscope, with 360° swivel seats and a tablet-based infotainment system. This boat redefines the travel experience, providing an environment that feels like home, whether in an exclusive marina or a picturesque quay.

Cutting-edge interface

The command station of “THE ICON” combines the authenticity of §0* design with a cutting-edge digital user interface. Equipped with a 32-inch touchscreen and a 6K resolution, the BMW Operating System 8 interface offers an intuitive and advanced navigation experience.

“THE ICON” is not just a concept, but a fully production-ready model. Backed by an adaptable platform concept, this boat adapts to individual wishes and needs, whether for luxury private use or in the commercial sector. Its mission is to inspire CO2-free maritime mobility, offering unmatched comfort without leaving an environmental or acoustic footprint. “THE ICON” represents the promise of a journey without limits, where innovation and luxury meet in the waters of the future.

THE ICON image gallery