BMW Group has introduced the BMW Vision Driving Experience, a high-performance test vehicle designed to evaluate advanced drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology. This prototype is not intended for mass production but serves as a platform for testing innovations specifically developed for the Neue Klasse, the upcoming generation of BMW vehicles. The testing took place at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA, where insights into the electric driving experience were shared.
The new technology, referred to as the “Heart of Joy,” enhances the driving experience by adding a fourth characteristic to the existing features of the Neue Klasse, which include electrical, digital, and circular elements. The first production model of the Neue Klasse is set to be manufactured later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. The control unit associated with the Heart of Joy will enter production, while the Vision Vehicle itself will not.
The Heart of Joy system is designed to improve efficiency and driving pleasure. According to Frank Weber, a board member responsible for development, the system allows for enhanced driving dynamics while increasing efficiency, particularly through energy regeneration during braking. The control unit processes information at ten times the speed of previous systems, integrating functions for the drivetrain, brakes, charging, and steering. This integration enables precise handling and responsiveness.
The vehicle generates an absurd 13,269 pound-feet of torque, demonstrating its capability to manage insane power demands. The innovative architecture of the Neue Klasse allows for a symbiotic relationship between drivetrain and braking functions, which is essential for maximizing efficiency. The system enables up to a 25 percent increase in efficiency by relying predominantly on energy recuperation, minimizing the need for conventional braking in everyday driving scenarios.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience also features visual indicators on the wheel rims to demonstrate the operation of the Heart of Joy system, with color codes representing acceleration, energy recuperation, and friction braking. This prototype exemplifies the future direction of BMW, which includes the integration of multiple control units into a single high-performance computer to enhance various vehicle functions, such as automated driving and infotainment systems.
