BMW Unveils BMW Vision Driving Experience Prototype, Teases New Electric Lineup

A sneak peek into the BMW Vision Driving Experience prototype has been released by the manufacturer, alongside other product information updates. According to the company, the prototype is not a production vehicle, but rather a development model for the dynamic powertrain and driving dynamics management technology.

The prototype's technology is being developed for the next-generation BMW Neue Klasse platform cars, which will be called "Joy of Heart". The vehicle underwent extreme endurance testing at BMW's performance driving center in the US. Its global debut is slated for the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show (April 23, 2025).

According to information released by the company, the first high-performance electric BMW Neue Klasse model will begin production later this year at the Düsseldorf factory in Hungary. This production car will build upon the existing three key features (electricity, digital, and circular) of the Neue Klasse platform, adding a fourth dimension – the classic "Pure Driving Joy".

The electronic control unit controls various functions including transmission, braking, charging, energy recovery, and steering, managing data 10 times faster than previous systems. This enables advanced dynamic performance control capabilities with real-time data processing for better handling.

Furthermore, BMW has revealed that its system enables 98% of drivers to perform tasks without the use of traditional brake pedal during braking operations – a blend between electromagnetic regenerative braking and friction braking. This results in an efficiency boost of 25%.

Additionally, a new innovation feature showcased on one of the prototype's test cars is the illumination of the wheels with color-coded lights that demonstrate the operation of "Heart of Joy" - accelerated state as green, energy recovery as blue, and dynamic braking by friction brakes in orange.

A closer look at an upcoming BMW highlights the incorporation of four high-performance CPUs. These advanced brain units neatly blend various previously standalone elements into one cutting-edge computing device responsible for controlling everything from autonomous drivability to information systems and comfort features.