Latest news with #BMWVisionDrivingExperience
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Don't like the current BMW designs? Worry not, they're all changing soon
BMW Vision Driving Experience concept The BMW Vision Driving Experience concept, following on from the Neue Klasse, previews the company's new front-end styling. Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied BMW's modern designs have been polarising to say the least, with their bold, unashamed and sometimes gargantuan grilles. But for those who are not in favour of the current status quo, there is potentially good news on the horizon. BMW is about to implement a brand new design language across its full line-up of cars and SUVs. You've already seen strong hints of it in the Neue Klasse Concept sedan and its X-badged SUV counterpart. The BMW Neue Klasse X Concept foretells the imminent iX3 replacement. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It's already well known that these design studies will form the basis of a brand new electric car family, built around a new electric-first architecture, and starting with the new 3-Series and iX3 electric models. But now it appears that BMW's internal combustion engined (ICE) line-up will also be remodeled to fit in with the 'Neue Klasse' design theme. Autocar reports that BMW will 'completely overhaul' its current ICE range, starting with a significant facelift for the current 5-Series, but with redesigns and significant updates also scheduled for the rest of the BMW range, from 2 Series to X5 and 7 Series. BMW's design head Adrian van Hoodonk told the UK publication that the updates were necessary as the company didn't want the new-age models to make the current cars appear like previous generation products. 'We will make sure that the form language that we are developing now - and starting this year at the IAA with the first of the Neue Klasse vehicles - will be rolled out over the entire product portfolio, leaving no car behind,' Van Hoodonk told Autocar. 'Of course, it would not be good for us or for our customers if there would be a new type of BMW and a 'classic' type of BMW. We're going to change the look and feel of the BMW brand.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Says This EV Makes 13,269 LB-FT of Torque. Here's Why That's Misleading
If you followed along with the news about the BMW Vision Driving Experience vehicle (a.k.a. the VDX) that came out last week, you may have noticed an unusual claim: that this electric car makes 13,269 pound-feet of torque. To which anyone's initial reaction should probably be, wait — is that a typo? No, it's not. BMW writes it out in clear English in its press release for the vehicle: 'The Vision Vehicle develops 13,269 lb-ft of torque.' With that kind of power, it must be the quickest vehicle to ever grace a road, right? Well, it is quick — but that silly-high number is more a deception than a legitimate indicator for performance. BMW doesn't spell it out, and wouldn't confirm it either way when queried, but this 13,269 pound-feet of torque is referring to wheel torque, not motor torque. The latter is the number we're all accustomed to seeing when manufacturers provide specs for vehicles. It's a disappointing omission, considering the quad-motor EV concept is undoubtedly packing a ridiculously-high amount of motor torque that shouldn't require this sort of confusing claim. If this wheel torque conundrum sounds familiar, that's because this isn't the first time an OEM has pulled this stunt. GM revealed the GMC Hummer EV to great fanfare years ago with a stunning claim of 11,500 pound-feet of torque. In reality, the tri-motor Hummer EV Pickup makes 1200 pound-feet of motor torque. GM chose to instead report the obscure and relatively useless wheel torque spec initially, and there's no denying it made for dramatic headlines. Tesla did the same with its non-existent Roadster, which required similar explaining to dissuade the spread of misinformation. As a reminder, wheel torque is traditional motor torque, multiplied by the effect of any gear ratio that changes that output on its way to the wheels. Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained has a great video that explains the situation from years ago when the Tesla Roadster was revealed. Road & Track asked Fenske for his thoughts as OEMs continue to peddle this semi-meaningless spec. 'Car companies love to wow enthusiasts with big numbers, and this is often done with misleading marketing, such as providing wheel torque numbers to MAKE NUMBER BIG,' Fenske said. 'I feel the simplest way to combat this is to provide an equally factual, but equally misleading counterclaim. For example, the Ford Bronco, with a small 2.3-liter four-cylinder, is capable of producing over 29,000 lb-ft of torque at the wheels — more than double the BMW!" The question remains then, how much motor torque does the VDX actually make? Unfortunately, BMW didn't release any information that would help determine the final drive reduction ratio is for its electric motors, but somewhere in the 7:1 to 10:1 range is typical for EVs. If it were 10:1 all around, that would put motor torque at 1369 pound-feet. That number is still wildly impressive, and even if it's a somewhat lower in reality, nobody would be disappointed in BMW for it. Let's just hope BMW's choice to report electric motor performance like this for its concept isn't an indicator of what it plans to do for production vehicles to come. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Vision Driving Experience Prototype Leaked
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A leaked image of the BMW Vision Driving Experience (VDX) prototype has surfaced ahead of its official debut, offering an early glimpse at the automaker's next-generation Neue Klasse models, including the upcoming M3. BMW has labeled the VDX as a 'test rig' for its evolving sedan lineup, showcasing a significant departure from the brand's traditional design language. The prototype's exterior features a dramatic redesign inspired by the Neue Klasse Vision Concept, most notably replacing the vertical kidney grille with a sleek, full-width unit. The brand's signature angel-eye headlights are also gone, making way for twin LED light bars that lend the front end a futuristic look. At the rear, the VDX sports an unconventional design, with taillights mounted along the upper edge of the trunk and a bumper incorporating large air ducts. While these elements suggest a bold new approach, reactions to the aesthetic changes remain mixed. Inside, the cabin embraces a minimalist, tech-focused layout. A floating touchscreen dominates the center console, complemented by a slim, wraparound digital display spanning the dashboard. The steering wheel, notably redesigned, further signals BMW's shift toward a more futuristic cockpit experience. Mechanically, the next-generation BMW M3 will be among the first models built on the Neue Klasse architecture. It is expected to offer both traditional internal combustion and fully electric variants. The electric M3 could feature a quad-motor setup delivering an astonishing 1,300 horsepower—potentially redefining BMW's high-performance lineup. With BMW set to officially unveil the VDX soon, the leaked prototype suggests a transformative era for the brand's performance sedans, blending heritage with cutting-edge design and technology. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Photos of the BMW Vision Driving Experience Concept
Read the Full Story The BMW Vision Driving Experience concept is the latest in a line of vehicles that preview the next iteration of the BMW 3-series, with the iconic sports sedan set to feature both traditional gas and electric powertrains. The concept car's bodywork has a lot of similarities to the Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023, including the split-grille design that is integrated into the headlights. There are a few changes, however, with the aforementioned grille and headlight setup becoming thinner than before and sitting above a large air intake in the lower bumper. Underneath the muscular bodywork lies a powerful new control unit, which BMW calls "Heart of Joy." This supercomputer controls all driving-related functions, including drivetrain, braking, charging, regeneration, and steering. This is the first time drivetrain and driving dynamics will be handled by a single control unit, BMW says. The Heart of Joy processes information 10 times faster than BMW's previous control units. The concept also features illuminated wheels, which change color depending on whether the car is accelerating, using the friction brakes, or using regenerative braking. The cabin also previews what to expect from BMW's upcoming EVs, showing a similar setup to what was found on the Neue Klasse concepts and to the Panoramic iDrive system the automaker recently showed at CES 2025. BMW says the first vehicle to ride on the Neue Klasse platform will start production in Hungary later this year. Keep scrolling to see more photos of the BMW Vision Driving Experience concept. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
