BMW 3 Series Electric (Neue Klasse i3) Revealed Through Vision Driving Experience Concept

The German luxury carmaker unveiled its new high-performance test vehicle – the BMW Vision Driving Experience. The carmaker has confirmed that the concept will not go into series production, but will be used as a rolling test model for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology. These technologies are specially developed for the Neue Klasse EVs. The first Neue Klasse electric model will enter production towards the end of this year at BMW’s Debrecen facility in Hungary. These advancements will also be introduced in the production-ready BMW 3 Series (i3) and the new-generation M3.
 

BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’

Called the ‘Heart of Joy’ is essentially an electronic control unit responsible for crucial functions such as brakes, drivetrain, steering, charging and regeneration. It works with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software and is claimed to process information 10 times faster than BMW’s previous systems. BMW states that this new electronic architecture will take all the driving dynamics functions to a new level of speed and precision.
 

The Heart of Joy is one of four central control units of the electronic architecture of the Neue Klasse, integrating driving dynamics and drivetrain functionalities for the first time. This high-performance unit monitors and controls braking and acceleration, dynamic steering functions, vehicle stabilization and charging management. On the contrary, conventional systems have different control algorithms for the drive system and brakes, preventing taking full advantage of the handling potential of high-powered electric drive systems.
 

BMW’s new Heart of Joy/BMW Dynamic Performance Control also ensures the smoothest stopping process and precise concern, while offering a noiseless driving experience. Additionally, it improves efficiency by up to 25 percent. The BMW Vision Driving Experience shows how the Heart of Joy functions by using illuminating colour codes on the wheel rims, blue for energy recuperation, green for acceleration and orange for braking via the friction brakes.
 

BMW Vision Driving Experience Concept – Explained
 

The Vision Driving Experience is a camouflaged prototype with a silhouette that closely appears similar to the Vision Neue Klasse concept and the new-gen BMW 3 Series. However, a few design elements differentiate it from the rest two models. The signature kidney grilles and headlamp clusters are slimmer and it has an expansive air dam underneath with two vertical slats. The upward kink at the C-pillar and rear bumper with two large openings further mark distinction to its profile.
 

Inside, the BMW Vision Driving Experience has a huge, rhomboidal infotainment system. Physical buttons are minimal, with only a few on the centre console. The concept has carbon-fibre bucket seats with minimal cushioning.

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