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BMW M Mixed Reality
Operation to begin in Maisach in autumn 2023
BMW M Mixed Reality is a virtual reality world where you can drive. This is being trialled as part of the BMW M Driving Experience programme, which will begin in autumn 2023.
BMW M Mixed Reality is a unique and innovative driving experience announced by BMW GmbH at the Web Summit held in Lisbon in November 2022. Mixed reality is a world where the physical and digital worlds merge to create a seamless driving experience.
Since its launch, BMW M GmbH has been continuously developing BMW M Mixed Reality. It is not just a car driving in a virtual world; the vehicle itself becomes the controller, merging the virtual and physical worlds. Players can sit in the seat of an actual M car, operate the steering wheel, and become immersed in the digital world. The application of innovative VR technology has made this a location-independent driving experience.
BMW M Mixed Reality has been available in single-player mode as part of the BMW M Driving Experience, a customer driving experience facility that opened in Maisach, Germany, in autumn 2023. The newly introduced multiplayer mode now allows two players to virtually compete on the BMW M Rooftop Circuit, surrounded by skyscrapers.
A new feature will allow spectators to watch the race live as avatars from the BMW M Rooftop Circuit Bridge. The live stream will be compatible with VR devices such as Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. A pilot project in the US began this year at the BMW M Performance Driving School in California.
Introducing the M5 and adding a drifting experience
This time, BMW M Mixed Reality introduces two-car multiplayer. The photo shows the VR headset worn by the player. Plans are also underway to add support for the more powerful M5 and MINI, as well as a drifting experience.
The new BMW M Rooftop Circuit, added to BMW M Mixed Reality, is a game in which players collect BMW M coins while avoiding obstacles in a glittering metropolis. The BMW M135 xDrive, equipped with special equipment, is available as a multiplayer vehicle.
The BMW M135 is equipped with an accurate GPS positioning system to transmit its position and movement to the virtual world. Precise sensor technology and signal processing ensure that all acceleration, turning, and braking operations are transmitted to the virtual world without delay. Furthermore, not only the vehicle’s movements but also the driver’s movements are reproduced in the virtual world. These technologies are built into BMW’s standard on-board systems, eliminating the need for additional sensors to be installed in the vehicle itself.
The VR headset worn by the driver to experience the virtual world is connected to the vehicle’s internal systems, synchronizing movements and data in real time. This equipment makes it possible to use a variety of BMW M models in BMW M Mixed Reality. It is compatible with not only internal combustion engine vehicles such as the M2 and M4, but also models with fully electric powertrains such as the i5 M60, and BMW is also considering introducing the new M5 as a BMW M Mixed Reality vehicle in the future.
BMW M Mixed Reality currently offers perfect control in any driving situation. Drifting will also be possible in the future, but it is not yet clear when customers will be able to experience this. BMW also plans to add MINIs to the mix, with the technology also being applied to vehicle development and specialized training.
