Endurance tests for “Heart of Joy” on board the BMW Vision Driving Experience.

Dynamics, precision, efficiency and driving pleasure of the highest order
The new “Heart of Joy” central computer works ten times faster
Efficiency boosted by 25%

Exploring driving pleasure to the physical limits: that is the mission of the BMW Group with its new high-performance test vehicle – the BMW Vision Driving Experience. The vehicle is not intended for series production, but rather serves as a rolling test bed for the powertrain management and driving dynamics technology developed especially for the Neue Klasse – the next generation of BMW vehicles – and referred to by BMW as the “Heart of Joy”. The prototype car put the capabilities of the “Heart of Joy” to the endurance test at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA. As part of a preview presentation, BMW gave an exclusive insight into its development programme for the electric driving experience in the Neue Klasse. All all-electric Neue Klasse models will feature the “Heart of Joy”. The first large electric Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at the Debrecen plant in Hungary. The new “Heart of Joy” adds a fourth dimension – BMW’s trademark driving pleasure – to the existing trio of Neue Klasse characteristics (electric, digital, circular). Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, took to the stage at the IAA in 2023 holding the famous little black box.

“The Heart of Joy enables us to take driving pleasure not just to the next level, but another one beyond that,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “In addition, we are further increasing efficiency, and therefore boosting range, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy regeneration. This is Efficient Dynamics squared.”

10 times more powerful computing power.

The “Heart of Joy” control unit processes information ten times faster than previous systems for the sub-functions of the powertrain, brakes, charging, recuperation and steering. Working in tandem with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the “Heart of Joy” calculates all driving dynamics functions with a new level of speed and precision. The control unit was developed entirely in-house based on the experience in the field of driving dynamics accumulated by BMW engineers for more than a century. The BMW Vision Driving Experience develops a torque of 18,000 Newton metres. The reasoning is this: if the control system can handle a burst of power of this magnitude, it will be able to meet the demands of everyday driving with ease.

Brake energy regeneration is a symbiosis between the powertrain and braking functions of electric vehicles. In the innovative electronic architecture of the Neue Klasse, the “Heart of Joy” is one of four central control units and combines the functions of transmission and driving dynamics for the first time. These innovative control functions are protected by several patent applications. The high-performance unit controls acceleration and braking, vehicle stabilisation, steering functions, lateral dynamics and load management. The central processing unit and the perfectly coordinated BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house enable all connected systems to react directly and with minimal delay: latency times are in the millisecond range. Conventional systems have separate control algorithms for the drive system and the brakes. This means that the handling potential of vehicles with a powerful electric drive system cannot be fully exploited.

Precise cornering and extremely smooth braking, providing a driving experience unmatched in automotive history.

Driver and passengers enjoy a harmonious and quiet driving experience, regardless of the situation and the speed at which they are travelling. In dynamic driving scenarios, the new “Heart of Joy” / BMW Dynamic Performance Control combination provides unrivalled confidence and serenity when cornering. The car generates impressive traction and weaves through bends with exceptional precision. Fewer inputs to the controls are required and the car’s line can be maintained with greater precision and stability. This enables the car to behave flawlessly when cornering, steering more intuitively and smoothly. Even at low speeds, for example when driving in stop-and-go or parking, the direct transmission of signals and rapid processing of information ensure an even more convincing driving experience. Whether in driving mode D or B, or when using Active Cruise Control, the parking brake or the parking lock, stopping and starting blend seamlessly into one another.

Energy recovery helps improve the car’s overall efficiency by 25%.

In addition, the integrated control of the driveline, braking and energy recuperation enables more sustainable use of energy. In fact, 98 percent of drivers do not need to use conventional brakes, as the braking power generated by recuperation is sufficient for normal, everyday driving. Only in the event of heavy braking, for example in an emergency situation, do the friction brakes need to intervene. Overall, this system improves overall efficiency by 25 percent. The BMW Vision Driving Experience illustrates how the “Heart of Joy” works using luminous colour codes on the wheel rims: acceleration is indicated in green, energy recuperation in blue and braking using the friction brakes in orange.

In the future BMW, four new, high-performance superbrains will work in concert. These powerful computers cleverly combine various elements that previously operated separately. We have developed the super brain “Heart of Joy” 100% in-house. This combines four important control units in a single high-performance computer. Three other super brains are responsible for functions such as automated and highly automated driving, infotainment, as well as basic functions such as air conditioning, comfort systems, vehicle access, and interior and exterior lighting.

World premiere at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show.

The BMW Vision Driving Experience will make its world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2025.