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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