BMW’s Vision Driving Experience: Redefining Electric Performance with the ‘Heart of Joy’
BMW Group's new high-performance test vehicle, the BMW Vision Driving Experience, aims to showcase driving pleasure up to the physical limits. This Vision Vehicle is not intended for series production; instead, it acts as a rolling test rig for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology specially developed for the Neue Klasse, the next generation of BMW vehicles, affectionately dubbed the “Heart of Joy” by BMW. The prototype vehicle tested the capabilities of the Heart of Joy in an ultimate endurance test at the BMW Performance Driving Centre in Spartanburg, USA. During a preview presentation, BMW also offered exclusive insights into its development programme for the electric driving experience aboard the Neue Klasse. Every fully electric Neue Klasse model will benefit from the Heart of Joy. The first taller Neue Klasse electric model will enter series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. The new Heart of Joy introduces a fourth dimension—BMW's hallmark Sheer Driving Pleasure—to the existing trio of Neue Klasse characteristics: electrical, digital, and circular. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, showcased the small black box at the IAA 2023.
Frank Weber, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, stated, “The Heart of Joy enables us to elevate driving pleasure not just to the next level but to another beyond that. Moreover, we are enhancing efficiency, thereby boosting range, as drivers will almost exclusively brake using energy regeneration in the future. This is Efficient Dynamics squared.”
The Heart of Joy control unit for the drivetrain, brakes, charging, recuperation, and steering subfunctions processes information ten times faster than previous systems. In partnership with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the Heart of Joy calculates all driving dynamics functions with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Developed entirely in-house, based on over a century of experience in driving dynamics, the Vision Vehicle produces 18,000 Newton metres (13,269 lb-ft) of torque. This capability ensures that if the control system can manage such a massive burst of power, it will effortlessly handle everyday driving demands.
Energy recovery under braking, or recuperation, sees the drivetrain and braking functions work harmoniously. In the advanced electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy is one of four central control units and, for the first time, combines drivetrain and driving dynamics functions. Several patent applications protect these innovative control functions. The high-performance unit controls acceleration, braking, vehicle stabilisation, dynamic steering functions, and charging management. The central processing unit, coupled with perfectly coordinated BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, enables all connected actuators to respond immediately with minimal delay—latencies are in the millisecond range. By contrast, conventional systems have separate control algorithms for the drive and brakes, meaning the full handling potential of vehicles with robust electric drive systems is not fully realised.
Drivers and passengers experience a harmonious and noiseless driving sensation, regardless of speed. The new Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control combination delivers unparalleled cornering poise and assurance in dynamic driving scenarios. The vehicle generates impressive traction and navigates through corners with exceptional precision. Fewer control inputs are needed, and the vehicle’s line can be maintained with greater accuracy and stability. This facilitates consistent, reproducible cornering behaviour, allowing more intuitive and smooth steering. Direct signal transmissions and rapid information processing ensure an even more compelling driving experience at low speeds, such as in stop-start driving or when parking. In driving modes D or B, or when using Active Cruise Control, the parking brake or parking lock, stopping and restarting merge seamlessly.
Moreover, integrated drivetrain, braking, and energy recuperation control allow for more sustainable energy use. Ninety-eight per cent of drivers do not need conventional brakes. The braking power generated through energy recuperation suffices for everyday driving. Only under heavy braking, such as in an emergency, is intervention required from the friction brakes. This system increases efficiency by up to 25 per cent.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle demonstrates how the Heart of Joy operates using illuminating colour codes on the wheel rims: acceleration is shown in green, energy recuperation in blue, and braking using friction brakes in orange.
Four entirely new super-brains will operate in the future BMWs. These high-performance computers cleverly combine various elements that previously ran separately. We developed the Heart of Joy super-brain within the company, allowing four critical control units to be integrated into a single high-performance computer.
Three other super-brains are responsible for features including automated and highly automated driving, infotainment, and essential functions such as climate control and comfort-enhancing systems, vehicle access, and interior and exterior lighting.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience is set to celebrate its official world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2025.
