Η BMW calls the all-electric Neue Klasse model family the "Heart of joy" and teases the upcoming all-electric M3 through the BMW Vision Driving Experience prototype, raising high expectations as it delivers top dynamics, precision, efficiency and driving pleasure. The new "Heart of Joy" mainframe runs ten times faster; achieving expanded energy recovery capabilities increases efficiency by 25%.
In particular, the BMW Group's aim with the BMW Vision Driving Experience high-performance test vehicle is to demonstrate the concept of driving pleasure to its absolute physical limits. This Vision Vehicle is not intended for mass production, but serves as a mobile laboratory for testing the powertrain management and dynamic driving technology developed specifically for the Neue Klasse - the next generation of BMW vehicles - and is nicknamed "Heart of Joy" by BMW. The prototype car put the capabilities of the "Heart of Joy" to the ultimate endurance test at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA, with the company providing exclusive insights into its development programme in relation to the Neue Klasse electrification experience as part of a first presentation. Every all-electric model in the Neue Klasse family will benefit from the "Heart of Joy". Neue Klasse's first electric model with increased height will enter mass production later this year at the company's plant located in Debrecen, Hungary. The new "Heart of Joy" adds a fourth aspect - none other than BMW's iconic Absolute Driving Pleasure trait - to the existing "trifecta" of Neue Klasse features (electric, digital, circular). Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, took to the stage at the IAA 2023 holding the little black box. It is important to note that the control unit will go into mass production, but not the Vision Vehicle.
"Heart of Joy enables us to take the driving experience not only to the next level, but beyond," says Frank Weber, BMW AG Board Member responsible for Evolution. "In addition, we are further enhancing efficiency and, consequently, autonomy, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy recovery. This means Efficient Dynamics in duplicate."
Computing power is now ten times faster
The "Heart of Joy" control unit for the individual functions of the drive system, brakes, charging, energy recovery and steering, processes information ten times faster than previous systems. In conjunction with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, "Heart of Joy" calculates all dynamic driving functions with a completely new level of speed and precision. The control unit has been developed entirely in-house, based on the experience gained by BMW engineers over more than a century. The Vision Vehicle is capable of developing 18,000 Nm of torque. And as long as the control system can handle a power burst of this magnitude, it will be able to cope with the demands of everyday driving with ease.
By recovering energy during braking, the functions of the drive and braking systems in electric vehicles work in harmony. In Neue Klasse's innovative electronics architecture, the "Heart of Joy" is one of the four central control units, combining for the first time the functions of the drive system with those of dynamic driving. These innovative control functions are patented. The high-performance module controls acceleration and braking, vehicle stability, dynamic steering functions and charge management. The central processing unit, combined with the perfectly tuned BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house, enables all connected actuators to respond immediately and with minimum delay. Any deviation is limited to the level of milliseconds. In contrast, conventional systems use separate control algorithms for the drive system and brakes, which limits the full exploitation of the handling capabilities of vehicles with powerful electrification systems.
The smoothest braking process in car history combined with precision cornering
The driver and passengers enjoy a calm and quiet driving experience, regardless of the conditions or the speed of the journey. In demanding dynamic driving conditions, the new combination of the "Heart of Joy" and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software offers unrivalled confidence and cornering stability. The car itself "generates" traction and turns with precision. There is less driver intervention, allowing the vehicle to maintain its course with greater stability and precision. This translates into consistent and predictable cornering behaviour, contributing to a more intuitive and smoother ride. At low speeds - such as when driving with continuous stop-start or when parking - the instantaneous transmission of signals and fast information processing provide an even more exciting experience. In D or B driving modes, as well as when using Active Cruise Control, the parking brake or the P option, the stopping and restarting process is handled in perfect harmony.
Energy recovery contributes 25% to increased efficiency
In addition, the integrated drive system and brake and energy recovery control contribute to sustainable energy use. Drivers' 98% does not need to intervene using conventional brakes. The braking power generated through energy recovery is sufficient for normal, everyday driving. Only in cases of heavy braking, such as in an emergency, is the intervention of conventional brakes required. Overall, this system can improve efficiency by up to 25%.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle illustrates the "Heart of Joy" function via illuminated colour codes on the wheels: acceleration is represented in green, energy recovery in blue and braking with conventional brakes in orange.
Four innovative "masterminds" will take over the BMW of the future. These high-performance computers intelligently combine various components that previously operated independently. The "Heart of Joy" has been developed at a rate of 100% within the company, allowing four major control units to be combined into a single high-performance computer
Three other "super-brains" are responsible for features such as autonomous and highly automated driving, information and entertainment, as well as for key vehicle functions such as air conditioning, comfort upgrades, vehicle access, and exterior and interior lighting.
World premiere at the Shanghai Motor Show
The BMW Vision Driving Experience high-performance test vehicle will celebrate its official world premiere at the Shanghai Motor Show 2025.
