BMW is crafting an all-new driving experience for future electric vehicles, and it's validating this technology through the high-performance test vehicle, the BMW Vision Driving Experience. While this concept car won't go into production, it's specifically designed to test the core driving technology "Heart of Joy" for the Neue Klasse (next-generation vehicles), which is expected to completely transform the dynamics, energy recovery efficiency, and driving precision of BMW's electric cars. This prototype recently underwent extreme endurance testing at the BMW Performance Driving Center in the United States and is set to make its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2025.
"Heart of Joy": The Core of BMW's New Generation Driving Technology
At the IAA 2023 Auto Show, BMW officially unveiled this future technology. This new control unit is not only applicable to the Neue Klasse all-electric vehicle line, but it will also provide BMW with a higher level of "Sheer Driving Pleasure." The "Heart of Joy" is one of BMW's four high-performance central control units, responsible for coordinating the power system (drive, braking, energy recovery), dynamic handling (cornering, traction control), and charging management (energy optimization).
10x Performance Boost, More Precise Dynamic Response
The "Heart of Joy" integrates the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, capable of processing driving dynamics data at ten times the speed of the current system. This technology is developed internally by BMW and combines a century of experience in driving dynamics calibration, bringing electric vehicle handling closer to that of traditional combustion cars, and even taking it further.
The system performs exceptionally well on the test vehicle, capable of controlling 18,000 Nm (13,269 lb-ft) of torque output, proving its ability to meet a variety of driving demands, ensuring optimal stability and precision handling for everyday driving.
Ultimate Energy Recovery, Boosting Efficiency by 25%
The "Heart of Joy" also marks a significant breakthrough with its energy recovery system (Recuperation). This technology aims to eliminate the need for traditional brakes in 98% of driving scenarios, allowing almost all deceleration actions to be completed through energy recovery. Only in emergency braking situations does the friction braking system kick in. This innovation can enhance overall efficiency by 25%, while reducing wear on the braking system and lowering maintenance costs, making electric vehicles more competitive for long-distance travel.
BMW Enters the Era of the "Super Brain" to Lead the Future
In the future, BMW will feature a high-performance computing unit known as the "Heart of Joy," which will oversee power and driving performance. Additionally, three other control systems will manage the autonomous and driver-assistance systems, infotainment, and the vehicle's basic functions, such as climate control, comfort settings, and interior and exterior lighting.
These integrations of the "super brains" mean that BMW's next generation of vehicles will offer an even higher level of intelligence and a more intuitive driving experience.
BMW is clearly aiming to redefine the electric vehicle driving experience with its Neue Klasse lineup by focusing on the "Heart of Joy" rather than just emphasizing the environmental benefits and efficiency of electric cars. Currently, Tesla remains the leader in the pure electric market, but BMW's technological breakthroughs indicate that its electric vehicles will not only compete in terms of range and charging speed but also excel in handling and driving enjoyment against many competitors. The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show will showcase this technology globally for the first time, and we’ll see if BMW can truly elevate the electric driving experience beyond that of gasoline cars, changing perceptions of pure electric vehicles in the market. The competition in the electric luxury car segment has only just begun!
