BMW has revealed its rolling testbed vehicle for drivetrain and dynamics management technology developed for the Neue Klasse – the next generation of BMW vehicles.
The prototype, which BMW has badged the ‘Vision Driving Experience’, has undergone extreme endurance testing at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As part of a preview presentation, BMW also provided attendees with exclusive insights into the OEM’s development program for the electric driving experience in the Neue Klasse. Every fully electric Neue Klasse model will incorporate this drivetrain and dynamics technology, which the auto maker calls the ‘Heart of Joy’ technology.
The Heart of Joy control unit manages key functions such as the drivetrain, brakes, charging, recuperation and steering, processing information 10 times faster than previous systems, according to the company. Working alongside BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, it is said to deliver a new level of speed and precision in driving dynamics.
“The Heart of Joy doesn’t just take driving pleasure to the next level – it pushes it even further. At the same time, we’re boosting efficiency and range, as future drivers will rely almost entirely on energy regeneration for braking. This is efficient dynamics squared,” said Frank Weber, board member for development, BMW.
Developed entirely in-house, the BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle generates 18,000Nm (13,269 lb-ft) of torque – a deliberate stress test. If the system can handle this immense power surge, it can easily manage the demands of everyday driving.
The Neue Klasse features a cutting-edge electronic architecture where the Heart of Joy is one of four central control units, combining drivetrain and dynamics functions for the first time. These technologies are protected by multiple patents.
The high-performance unit governs acceleration, braking, vehicle stabilization, dynamic steering and charging management. Thanks to its central processing unit and in-house BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, all connected actuators respond with millisecond-level precision – a major improvement over conventional systems, where drivetrain and brakes operate separately, limiting performance potential, says BMW.
By integrating drivetrain, braking and energy recuperation, BMW optimizes energy use – 98% of drivers won’t need to use conventional brakes, regenerative braking is sufficient for everyday driving. Traditional friction brakes only engage under hard braking or emergency situations. Overall, this system boosts efficiency by up to 25%, according to the OEM.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle visually showcases these functions using illuminated wheel rims: green for acceleration, blue for energy recuperation and orange for friction braking.
BMW’s future vehicles will feature four powerful, high-performance computing units that integrate previously separate functions. The Heart of Joy is one of these so-called super-brains, developed entirely in-house, combining four key control units into one ultra-efficient system.
The other three super-brains will manage automated and highly automated driving, infotainment and digital interfaces, and core vehicle functions, including climate control, lighting and access systems.
The first, taller Neue Klasse electric model will enter mass production later this year in Hungary.