BMW Vision Driving Experience
Testing Neue Klasse components
BMW has begun testing the BMW Vision Driving Experience with racing driver Jens Klingmann.
The high-performance test prototype, the Vision Driving Experience (VDX), was unveiled under heavy camouflage and will serve as a test rig for components developed for the next-generation production vehicle, the Neue Klasse, where the functionality of the drivetrain and management systems will be thoroughly verified.
The BMW VDX is equipped with a completely newly developed central computer, the “Heart of Joy Control Unit.” Prior to its unveiling, Jens Klingmann was at the wheel at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA, where it underwent rigorous endurance tests.
Production of the first Neue Klasse models equipped with a fully electric powertrain is scheduled to begin at the Debrecen plant in Hungary in the second half of 2025, with intensive testing using the BMW VDX expected to take place in various locations. Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Development, had this to say about the BMW VDX:
“The Heart of Joy control unit in the BMW VDX not only takes driving pleasure to the next level, but even beyond. The Neue Klasse will see an even longer range. In future, drivers will be braking almost exclusively using recuperation, which will result in significant efficiency gains.”
Equipped with a new control unit that boasts 10 times the speed
The cockpit of the BMW Vision Driving Experience (VDX). The BMW VDX is equipped with the Heart of Joy control unit, a central computer developed entirely in-house by BMW. This enables information processing 10 times faster than conventional systems.
The newly developed central computer “Heart of Joy Control Unit” installed in the BMW VDX handles the drivetrain, brakes, charging, regeneration system and steering components, processing information 10 times faster than conventional systems.
Working in conjunction with BMW Dynamic Performance Control, all driving dynamics functions can now be calculated with entirely new levels of speed and precision. This system has been developed entirely in-house by BMW engineers, drawing on more than a century of experience in the field of driving dynamics.
The Neue Klasse offers a harmonious, noiseless driving experience regardless of driving conditions or speed. For example, under stress, such as on a race track, the Heart of Joy control unit in combination with BMW Dynamic Performance Control delivers extremely precise cornering, performance and confident behaviour with fewer inputs than before.
The vehicle exhibits highly repeatable cornering behavior in all situations, enabling more intuitive and smooth steering. Even at low speeds, such as when starting or parking, direct signal transmission and rapid information processing enable smoother driving than ever before.
Wheel color coding indicates riding status
The BMW VDX allows the vehicle’s driving status to be identified by the color code on the wheels, and in the photo, “green” indicates that brake regeneration is in progress.
The “Heart of Joy Control Unit” integrates and controls the drivetrain, brakes and energy regeneration, allowing for more efficient use of energy.
98% of drivers will be able to cover everyday driving almost exclusively with regenerative braking, without using conventional friction brakes, which only intervene during heavy braking such as in an emergency. This system makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the entire drivetrain by up to 25%.
The BMW VDX, developed as a test vehicle, displays how the Heart of Joy control unit is functioning by lighting up color-coded wheel rims: green during acceleration, blue during energy regeneration, and orange when braking by friction brakes.
