BMW Aims to Offer 'Classic Driving Experience in a Digital Era'
BMW is gearing up for an electric future, but the German automaker is ensuring that the fun-to-drive element isn't neglected. The company's latest development, the Neue Klasse, is a testament to this philosophy.
The heart of this new movement is the "Heart of Joy," a control unit designed for the Vision Driving Experience (VDX). This sophisticated system, developed six years ago with a handful of dedicated engineers, can manage extreme power loads and has already proven its mettle in BMW's most powerful car ever, the VDX, which boasted over 1,300 horsepower.
The Heart of Joy is not just a marvel for high-powered vehicles. It can also handle lower-powered production cars with ease. In fact, the upcoming i3 sedan, internally known as the "NA0" and due in 2026, is expected to offer a more thrilling driving experience than the iX3 thanks to its lower center of gravity.
The iX3, known as the "NA5" within BMW, will debut soon, and it's not the only exciting development on the horizon. The "ZA0," set to launch in 2027, will be the first true M car in electric guise, positioned above the M Performance EVs. According to sources, the electric M3 will have approximately half the power of the VDX, but that's still a significant amount of power.
Torsten Müller, the Chief Engineer of Dynamic Performance Control at BMW, has stated that the company's focus is on delivering "analog driving in the digital world." This philosophy is evident in the Heart of Joy, which processes information ten times faster than previous systems, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Neue Klasse hardware also supports quad motors, potentially paving the way for future electric vehicles with ludicrous output. However, BMW is mindful of the concerns about losing the mechanical feel of past models as cars become rolling computers. The company aims to ensure that drivers don't "feel the tech while driving. You have the feeling you are in control and not the car."
A new four-part video series explores the Neue Klasse, with the first episode focusing on the Heart of Joy. As BMW moves forward with its electric future, it's clear that the brand is committed to delivering exciting driving experiences while maintaining the analog feel that enthusiasts love. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting new models.
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