BMW has launched a state-of-the-art Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) in Munich, featuring the world’s quietest wind tunnel.
At 54.3 dB (A) at 140kph, it enables precise acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, accommodating large vehicles like the BMW X7 and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Equipped with advanced technology, including a 216-microphone array and laser vibrometry, it supports the development of electric vehicles and high-voltage battery prototypes.
The wind tunnel, measuring nearly 100 metres long and 45 metres high, has a background noise level of just 54.3 dB at 140kph, comparable to a quiet conversation. Apart from that, it is also the world’s largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel.
Equipped with cutting-edge tools, the facility has a modular design that allows for quick component swaps, enabling developers to efficiently test different configurations. An acoustic all-wheel-drive dynamometer further separates wind and rolling noise phenomena, ensuring accurate data for optimisation.
The AEC also houses workshops and prototype lines for high-voltage batteries and inverters essential for electric mobility.
With 15,000 square metres of multifunctional space, BMW can rapidly adapt to evolving requirements. The facility’s construction incorporated advanced sound insulation, minimizing noise impact on the surrounding area.
BMW says the AEC sets new standards in vehicle acoustics and aerodynamics, advancing development for its “Neue Klasse” electric vehicles.
