BMW Group Unveils High-Performance Test Vehicle with Ultra-Fast Central Computer
First Public Showcase of 'BMW Vision Driving Experience' in Shanghai
BMW Group has unveiled a high-performance test vehicle equipped with an ultra-fast central computer, pushing high-speed driving control capabilities to their maximum, for the first time in the world.
On April 21 (local time), BMW Group introduced its high-performance test vehicle, the 'BMW Vision Driving Experience,' for the first time globally at the 'BMW Experience' in Shanghai, China.
This high-performance test car was developed based on the BMW electric vehicle 'Neue Klasse,' which is scheduled for production at the end of this year. It will be presented to the public for the first time at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, which opens on April 23. On this day, BMW showcased the driving capabilities of the high-performance test car at a pre-event ahead of the motor show’s opening.
BMW Group's high-performance test vehicle 'BMW Vision Driving Experience' in the spotlight. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association Joint Coverage Team
The BMW Vision Driving Experience is equipped with an ultra-fast control computer named 'Heart of Joy.' This central computer works in conjunction with BMW’s performance control software to calculate and manage all driving dynamics functions.
At the event, BMW demonstrated the Vision Driving Experience’s high-speed driving, lane changes, and high-speed cornering. The audience erupted in cheers when the vehicle climbed a steep 55-degree slope in one go and smoothly descended in reverse.
This high-performance test car delivers a maximum torque of 18,000 Nm. The ultra-fast central computer Heart of Joy, developed in-house by BMW, along with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, verifies the vehicle’s durability and performance. Notably, about 98% of braking can be performed using regenerative braking power, enabling smooth stops.
BMW Group's high-performance test vehicle climbing a steep slope, 'BMW Vision Driving Experience'. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association Joint Coverage Team
BMW Group's high-performance test vehicle 'BMW Vision Driving Experience'. Provided by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association joint press corps.
This vehicle generates up to 1.2 tons of downforce and up to 3g of lateral force through active aerodynamics. These figures are comparable to those of F1 race cars and far exceed the levels required for typical road vehicles.
Previously, only a camouflaged version of the BMW Vision Driving Experience had been revealed, but at this Shanghai event, it was finished with a special self-illuminating paint. This paint uses special photosensitive pigments (light-sensitive dyes) that are charged by sunlight during the day and maintain sufficient brightness even with minimal ambient light.
The first all-electric vehicle based on the BMW Neue Klasse, which serves as the foundation for this car, is scheduled to begin production at the Debrecen plant in Hungary at the end of this year. The Heart of Joy central computer will be a standard feature in all Neue Klasse models.
Jochen Goller, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW Group, stated, "Tonight in Shanghai, BMW Group has unveiled the most powerful prototype in the brand’s history. The BMW Vision Driving Experience delivers true driving pleasure, demonstrates performance on par with an F1 race car, and received an explosive response from the audience."
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