Electric BMW 3-Series Will Pack a Supercomputer Called 'Heart of Joy'
The BMW Vision Driving Experience is the latest concept to preview the upcoming Neue Klasse EVs, one of which will be an electric variant of the next-generation 3-series sedan.
The concept's bodywork and interior are an evolution of the , with sharp lighting and a full-width screen on the dashboard beneath the windshield.
The concept features the "Heart of Joy," a so-called "superbrain" that will control the driving dynamics functions in the Neue Klasse vehicles.
A new BMW 3-series is imminent. Previewed by the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept, the new iteration of BMW's long-running sports sedan will come in both traditional gas-powered and electric forms, with the latter expected to adopt the i3 moniker. Now, BMW has revealed a new concept, the Vision Driving Experience, to hint at some of the systems that will be found beneath the sheetmetal of the electric Neue Klasse model and which promise to preserve BMW's famed driving dynamics.
BMW insists that the Vision Driving Experience itself is not bound for production, although the body looks like an evolution of the Vision Neue Klasse concept and is not too far off from the spy photos of the next-generation 3-series. There are a few differences, however. The integrated headlight and grille element is thinner than the concept and there's a large opening in the lower front bumper, presumably to cool the batteries.
Despite the similarities, BMW instead calls the concept a "rolling test rig for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology." The concept houses what BMW calls the "Heart of Joy," an over-the-top nickname for the control unit that handles the drivetrain, braking, charging, regeneration, and steering functions. The Heart of Joy will be found in every electric Neue Klasse model, BMW says, which presumably includes the upcoming iX3 electric SUV as well.
The Heart of Joy is one of four central units in the car's electronics architecture and marks the first time that drivetrain and driving dynamics functions have been combined into a singular unit. Not only does BMW claim that the system will make driving more enjoyable, but the automaker also says it will lead to better efficiency and range.
Developed entirely by BMW, the Heart of Joy works in conjunction with the brand's Dynamic Performance Control software to manage driving functions. The control unit reportedly processes information 10 times faster than the company's previous units, with BMW claiming that the response is nearly immediate, with latencies in the milliseconds.
The integrated braking and energy recuperation control allow drivers to avoid applying the conventional friction brakes in most scenarios, BMW says, instead relying on regeneration. This is claimed to increase efficiency by up to 25 percent. The company also says that stopping and restarting is seamless, regardless of whether the car is in D or B drive modes, using active cruise control, or using the Auto Hold function.
BMW is using the concept to experiment with color-changing wheels to demonstrate how the Heart of Joy system is working, showing green for acceleration, blue for energy recuperation, and orange for friction braking. Although BMW didn't specify how this illumination occurs, the company has experimented in the past with color-changing body panels. The color-shifting i Vision Dee concept used "E Ink," the same technology found on the screens of e-readers, for a chameleon-like effect.
The Heart of Joy will be one of four "superbrains" that will control future BMWs. It will be accompanied by three other computer systems that control things such as automated driving, climate control, vehicle access, and interior and exterior lighting.
BMW also showed photos of the Vision Driving Experience's interior, previewing what to expect from the 3-series EV. A large, unusually shaped hexagonal screen sits in the center of the dashboard. A thin display stretches across the width of the car, providing info such as time and speed. A similar setup was showcased in the Vision Neue Klasse, Vision Neue Klasse X concept, and the Panoramic iDrive system shown at CES 2025.
BMW has confirmed the first Neue Klasse model will start production later this year at the company's plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The new 3-series—which will utilize this Neue Klasse platform and pack the Heart of Joy control unit—should debut sometime in the next several months.
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The Drive
7 hours ago
- The Drive
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The latest car news, reviews, and features. It's easy to go gaga over the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N on a short backroad blast or rip around a track. It's mind-blowingly fast and, more impressively, a genuinely unique driving experience. Though I have to admit, I never completely got over the inherent goofiness of fake manual shifting and the video-game interface. I understand why people love this car, but I wasn't sad when my weeklong test came to a close. A curb weight of 4,861 pounds is a lot—but so is an output of 601 horsepower, which can spike to 641 hp with the 10-second N Grin Boost button. The torque figure of 545 lb-ft also increases to 568 when that button is pushed. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N can do a zero-to-60-mph run in 3.25 seconds at maximum attack, but MotorTrend recorded an even more dizzying 2.8-second pull and ran the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat. In a mass-produced car that can also carry four people and a dog comfortably? That's crazy talk—but it's real. Andrew P. Collins The 5 N's specs, grip, responsiveness, and real-time customizability have been discussed ad nauseam on podcasts, in reviews, and here on The Drive . It looks great and loads a lot of cargo because, as you've also probably read, while it may have the shape of an '80s rally car, it's got the footprint of a crossover. Four adults can easily fit, plus luggage. The $70,000 list price is justified, too. A BMW X3 M50 is about the same money, and while that may feel fancier, the Hyundai is far, far quicker. At least, until it runs out of juice, which does happen annoyingly soon. Hyundai's official max range estimate for this car is 221 miles; expect a bit less if you drive as hard as the car invites you to. Former The Drive staff writer Chris Rosales (now at Motor1 ) called out the weak driving range as the 5 N's 'one major flaw,' and yeah, it does make a long day of adventuring less free-wheeling. 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San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
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USA Today
a day ago
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Best budget luxury cars for 2025: Affordable elegance under $45K
For those searching for a luxury badge on a budget, the cheapest luxury cars remain an enticing group — less expensive than SUVs yet just as nice as entry-level SUVs from major luxury brands, they're the perfect entry point for those looking for fancier wheels. Many renowned brands offer these entry-level luxury sedans for much less than the average new car sells for, and some of these inexpensive luxury-branded models offer genuine luxury. Some are just a cash-in relying on the badge, but there are several that offer real luxury comfort, technology and performance for affordable prices. These are the ten most affordable luxury cars you can buy in 2025: 1. Acura Integra - $34,195 The least expensive luxury car by a solid margin is the 2025 Acura Integra, and it manages that while still being solidly built and plenty comfortable — if not as luxurious as it could be, thanks in part to its Honda Civic bones. 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Read our experts' full Genesis G70 review 9. Volvo S60 - $43,795 Meet the only Swede on this list, Volvo's handsome S60 sedan. This four-door competes in the compact luxury sedan segment against the likes of the Lexus IS above, BMW's 3 Series and others. That makes it more usefully sized than some of the smaller subcompacts on this list, though it's not as spacious as Lexus's big ES350. Every S60 comes with Volvo's aura of safety, as well as a comprehensive list of actual safety equipment, plus understated, almost elegant styling inside and out. The entry-level S60 gets a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with mild hybridization. Read our experts' full Volvo S60 review 10. Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD - $44,130 We recently found that getting the maximum everything variant of an EV is by no means a necessity, including for the 2025 Tesla Model 3. This refreshed Highland model gets better driving dynamics and plenty of targeted improvements, though range and performance are similar to their already good original numbers. The optional (and expensive) Full Self-Driving feature remains untrustworthy, the lack of an instrument cluster is still a bad idea, and Tesla continues to overestimate the range; we managed only 211 miles on a charge when cruising at 70 mph in the entry-level single-motor, Long Range Model 3. Charging speed is quite reasonable, with a Supercharger able to replenish 118 miles of range in 15 minutes or 184 miles in 30 minutes. If you can look past the brand's current woes, given its CEO's polarizing turn in government, the Model 3 remains a premium long-range EV sold at mainstream prices and a thorn in the sides of de-facto competitors such as Hyundai's Ioniq 6. Read our experts' full Tesla Model 3 review The cheapest luxury cars you can buy in 2025 Photos by MotorTrend Staff, Manufacturer, Ryan Lugo
