BMW has teased a new car, but not one that is ever destined for production, and a small black box that most definitely is.
The Vision Driving Experience (VDX) is the car that intended to serve as a rolling test rig for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology developed specially for BMW's Neue Klasse – the next generation of BMW vehicles – which is what is packed into the small black box that BMW calls the "Heart of Joy".
"The Heart of Joy enables us to take driving pleasure not just to the next level, but another one beyond that," says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG.
"In addition, we are further increasing efficiency, and therefore boosting range, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy regeneration. This is Efficient Dynamics squared."
The VDX car is a rolling test bed for BMWs new Heart of Joy control unit for electric vehicles.
BMW says the Heart of Joy processes information related to the drivetrain, brakes, charging, recuperation, and steering ten times faster than conventional current systems that use separate control algorithms for the drive system and brakes, meaning that the full handling potential of vehicles with powerful electric drive systems cannot be fully exploited. The company claims that this rapid processing, paired with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, allows for precise computation of driving dynamics functions.
Developed in-house, the control unit is designed to manage "extreme power outputs", which is good because the VDX vehicle develops a colossal 18,000Nm of torque. The reasoning behind this is that if the control system can deal with an "explosion of power of this magnitude", it will be able to handle the demands of everyday driving with ease.
Uniquely, the Heart of Joy combines drivetrain and driving dynamics functions into one unit, managing acceleration, braking, vehicle stabilisation, dynamic steering, and charging. The central processing unit and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software enable rapid response from connected actuators, with latencies in the millisecond range.
BMW says that by integrating drivetrain, braking, and energy recuperation control, the system also promotes more sustainable energy use. In typical driving scenarios, 98% of drivers may not need to engage the conventional brakes, as energy recuperation alone will provide sufficient braking power, increasing overall efficiency by up to 25 percent.
The VDX test vehicle visually demonstrates this by using colour-coded LED wheel rims: green for acceleration, blue for energy recuperation, and orange for friction brake usage.
The company says that the Neue Klasse architecture incorporates four central control units, with the Heart of Joy managing drivetrain and driving dynamics. Three additional "super-brains" will handle functions such as automated driving, infotainment, climate control, vehicle access and lighting.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience will have its official world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2025 that runs from the 23rd of April until the 2nd of May.
