BMW has introduced the Vision Driving Experience, a prototype designed to test advanced technologies for its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles.
Central to this prototype is the “Heart of Joy,” an in-house developed control unit that integrates drivetrain, braking, charging, energy recuperation, and steering functions.
This system processes information ten times faster than previous models, aiming to enhance driving dynamics and efficiency.
The Vision Driving Experience recently underwent rigorous testing at BMW’s Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA.
The “Heart of Joy” control unit, combined with BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control software, demonstrated improved vehicle stability and energy efficiency.
Notably, the system enables up to 98% of braking during regular driving to be managed through energy recuperation, reducing reliance on traditional friction brakes and potentially increasing overall efficiency by up to 25%.
This prototype is not intended for mass production but serves as a testbed for technologies that will feature in the Neue Klasse series. The first of these models is scheduled to enter production later this year at BMW’s Plant Debrecen in Hungary.
The Vision Driving Experience will make its public debut at Auto Shanghai 2025, offering further insights into BMW’s future electric vehicle developments.
In addition to the “Heart of Joy,” BMW plans to incorporate three other high-performance computing units in its future vehicles. These will manage automated driving, infotainment, and essential functions like climate control and lighting, aiming to provide a cohesive and responsive driving experience.
The Vision Driving Experience also features visual indicators on its wheel rims to display different driving states: green for acceleration, blue for energy recuperation, and orange for friction braking. This design element offers drivers immediate feedback on the vehicle’s operational status.
BMW’s development of the “Heart of Joy” underscores its commitment to enhancing driving pleasure in the electric vehicle era. By integrating multiple vehicle control systems into a single, high-performance unit, BMW aims to deliver a dynamic and efficient driving experience in its forthcoming Neue Klasse models.
