Munich. As it pulls back the curtain on a new era in 2025, fuelled by the all-electric Neue Klasse models, BMW is creating a holistic driving and user experience that breaks genuinely new ground. One of the elements of the far-reaching BMW Panoramic iDrive concept is the new HypersonX soundscape. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.

This new stage in the evolution of the automotive sound experience has been made possible by the technological advances in hardware and software brought by the Neue Klasse. The revolutionary BMW Operating System X and a newly developed control unit pave the way for an innovative audio architecture. This allows the overall experience offered by the Neue Klasse to be perfected at an acoustic level, as well as in terms of vehicle character, driving experience and functional range.

A new dimension in drive sounds: distinctive and precisely honed.

“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. Through our focus on precision, warmth and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle,” emphasises Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group. In both Personal Mode and Sport Mode, the drive sounds focus on the essentials and are inspired by tones from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. HypersonX has fewer basic notes than the sound experience previously employed. But at the same time, the acoustic spectrum has grown to include a new dimensional level. This gives the sound more “colour”, depth and precision, and it embodies more than ever the pleasure of driving for which BMW is renowned.

One of the main elements underpinning this capability is the audio control unit developed for the Neue Klasse, which enables a significant expansion of the dynamic range.

Added to which, the spatial modulation of the drive sound achievable in the Neue Klasse ensures that the vehicle occupants are thoroughly immersed in the soundscape generated by HypersonX. Under acceleration, for example, the vehicle gives the impression of moving between different three-dimensional layers of sound, thus transporting the feeling of speed and BMW-typical driving dynamics authentically into the cabin.

Humanity is a central design element of the welcome sound.

As well as intelligent reduction to the essential elements, the human aspect played an important role in the development of the soundscape for the Neue Klasse. The middle and lower frequency ranges of the BMW HypersonX sound spectrum have been brought to the fore to create a well-balanced acoustic ambience. In conjunction with intuitive operation, precisely adjusted light effects and homely interior design, this gives those on board a fine sense of wellbeing.

A choir made up of BMW Group Design Studio employees brings voice – in their respective native languages – to moments of driving joy, infusing the welcome sound with a particularly empathetic flavour. Carefully isolated elements of these recordings enhance the overall composition of the welcome sound to excellent effect and treat the driver to moments of joy and human warmth.

BMW HypersonX gives the sounds for the Neue Klasse an expressive and distinctive, but also understated and sensitive feel. To this end, more than nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated using a new algorithm. At the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, these were then filtered into a brand-typical essence that in turn generates a cohesive and multi-dimensional acoustic experience. The result is a sound that creates an emotional connection between human and vehicle in all driving situations and brings a positive, congenial and inviting aura to the acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse.

Munich. The new Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) starts operations at the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Center (FIZ). After almost forty years, the old aeroacoustic wind tunnel is being replaced by BMW. The building consists of two halves: In addition to a multifunctional part with workshop, testing and measurement equipment and a prototype for high-voltage batteries and inverters, the AEC has a technically and structurally unique wind tunnel. With a length of just under 100 m, a height of 45 m and a width of 25 m, it is the world's largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel and at the same time the quietest.

“Quiet is premium,” says Daniel Böttger, Head of Complete Vehicle Development at BMW AG. “Our focus is on meeting the premium standards of our vehicles. An important part of this is acoustics — particularly for quiet electric models.” The new wind tunnel enables groundbreaking advances in aeroacoustics research.”

“The new AEC is another structural milestone for the BMW Group's development of future mobility solutions,” says Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management. “About such a complex project

To be implemented in the shortest possible time, cost-effectively and with very high quality, there is a need for close integration between construction, development and production, as well as with all our partners and the City of Munich. The consistent use of lean construction is an important success factor here. ”

Quiet wind for precise measurements and perfect aerodynamics

With a background noise level (54.3 dB (A) at 140 km/h), which is as low as a quiet conversation or a quiet air conditioning system, the noises caused by headwind on the vehicle can be precisely measured in the new wind tunnel. With a nozzle cross section of 25 m² and a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h, even the largest and most powerful vehicles such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom or the BMW X7 can be examined realistically. This is achieved through a blower capacity of 4.5 MW and up to 100,000 m³ of air per minute at 250 km/h. The wind tunnel is designed as an acoustic semi-free-field space. This means that apart from the sound-resistant floor, there are no sound reflections. This enables a realistic simulation of the situation on the road. The frequency range for semi-free-field conditions from 30 Hz is unique for a vehicle wind tunnel and covers the entire audible spectrum.

Innovative measurement technology, high flexibility and short changeover times

The acoustic wind tunnel is equipped with the latest measurement technology to drive vehicle development forward. A 216-microphone acoustic camera enables precise localization of background noises with an accuracy of less than one centimeter. In addition, the wind tunnel has a laser vibrometry system, which can be used to measure the mechanical vibrations of the entire vehicle surface synchronously and without contact.

The wind tunnel is also ideally equipped to study wind and rolling noises. A full-fledged acoustic all-wheel drive roller dynamometer can be used regardless of wind and weather to analyze the various phenomena. The wind tunnel is designed in such a way that it offers a high degree of flexibility when carrying out measurements.

The wind rolling sound makes it possible to separate the phenomena of rolling and wind from each other (wind on/off, roll on/off). In addition, various modules, such as a vehicle-accessible glass floor or a vehicle scale for motorcycles, can be replaced in a short time without moving the vehicle. This allows developers to test different configurations quickly and efficiently. With this unique combination of performance, precision and flexibility, the new acoustic wind tunnel in Munich sets new standards in vehicle development and opens up new opportunities for optimizing vehicle acoustics and aerodynamics.

In this way, the quietest wind tunnel and the most modern measurement technology can be used to ensure the best aeroacoustics for the Neue Klasse.

Flexibility is also of central importance in construction

The AEC basically consists of two buildings that were built in an excavation pit. Structurally, the special acoustic requirements were met with a special decoupling of the wind tunnel from the second “semi-detached house” and the surrounding area. The entire building, from the 3 m thick floor slab to the façade, is sound-insulated against noises from the surrounding area. The entire construction work was carried out in the outbuildings while development was ongoing. The wind tunnel was designed to be upright so that the building ground is used as efficiently as possible. This was the only way to completely meet all requirements for both buildings and to be implemented on the existing space.

Prototypes for the future of electric mobility: high-voltage batteries and inverters

The second “semi-detached house” of AEC is home to workshops, testing and measurement stands, and prototype lines. Here, the focus is also on electric mobility. The experts from the BMW Group are building and testing prototypes of future high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles here. 15,000 m² are available for this purpose on several floors. On a further area of 800 m², inverters for future electric motors will be manufactured on a pilot line — under clean room conditions. The inverter is a crucial component in an electric motor. His task is, among other things, to convert the direct current from the high-voltage battery into alternating current for use in the electric motor. In order to be flexible in the long term, the spaces in AEC are designed to be “multifunctional”. This means that the company will also be able to respond to various requirements in the future and rebuild the spaces within a short period of time.

Munich. The character of the Concept i4 is not only a product of its design, but also of its visionary sound profile. Hans Zimmer composed the sound of the BMW Concept i4 together with BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale under the brand name BMW IconicSounds Electric. BMW IconicSounds Electric will imbue BMW’s electric models with extra emotional depth by connecting the driver with the vehicle’s character on another level through individual tones and sounds.

“Renzo and I were inspired to bring together the past and future of BMW with the sound for the BMW Concept i4,” explains Zimmer. “We hope the sound we created is classic yet surprising and has a feeling of lightness that is fitting for the BMW brand.” The aural repertoire of the BMW Concept i4 stretches from the driving sounds in the Experience Mode “Core” to the more intense tones of “Sport”. Acoustic accompaniments to a door opening and when starting the car are likewise part of its soundscape.

Sound by Hans Zimmer is the starting signal for electric driving pleasure.

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale presented the new start/stop sound in Zimmer’s Santa Monica studio back in November 2019. The ready-to-drive sound for all-electric BMW models and BMW plug-in hybrids will be introduced as a standard feature worldwide from July 2020. “The ability to design the sound in our vehicles makes it possible for us to spark positive emotions,” says Vitale. “The new start/stop sound is intended to instil a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the customer gets into their vehicle and begins the journey.”

BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The silence of electric drive systems is often cited as a major benefit of electric mobility. As the choice of electrified models increases, however, it also means some drivers are missing out on the emotional appeal of sound. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW: “Sound has always played an important role in the emotionalisation of our vehicles. Now we are taking the joy of sheer driving pleasure to a new level and are particularly pleased to be working with Hans Zimmer to create the new sound world of electric mobility at BMW. This collaboration will result in our forward-looking sound offering for electrified vehicles: BMW IconicSounds Electric.”

The BMW Concept i4 drive sound is the second developed for electric BMW vehicles with Hans Zimmer, following the presentation of the electric sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT at the #NEXTGen event in Munich in June 2019. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a very special experience with the help of great sounds,” Zimmer commented in 2019. “I am relishing the challenge of co-designing the composition for future electric BMWs.”