BMW’s long-awaited Neue Klasse platform is set to debut in September on the all-new BMW iX3, and in classic BMW fashion, a new EV platform calls for a new sound — but this time developed without Hans Zimmer. In its place, BMW is introducing the new “HypersonX” audio system, and has now shared more details on what it will sound like in upcoming Neue Klasse models, including some sample audio.
The new system has unique sounds for the different drive modes, namely Personal, Sports, and Efficient/Silent. For the Personal Mode, BMW says it “blends elegance, warmth, and the core dynamic DNA of BMW”. The Sports Mode features a richer, more dynamic, energetic pulse during acceleration, while the Efficient/Silent mode, as the name suggests, is the quietest and calmest mode — allowing the driver to focus on efficiency. For now, only the first two have been showcased.
It’s best to listen to the sounds yourselves – and you can do so on BMW’s website, linked here – but we’ll try to explain it with words as best we can. The Personal Mode starts off smooth and elegant, building up to a stronger tone with more presence as the driver steps on the accelerator. While lifting off or slowing down, the sound dramatically decreases in volume and returns back to that elegant and pleasant sound.
Interestingly, the Sports Mode starts off similarly to the Personal mode — gentle and elegant. With more acceleration, though, the sound evolves to a deeper, almost rumble-like tone as if the car is starting to roar. During deceleration, it takes after the Personal mode — going back to that elegant sound with a decrease in volume.
BMW Group Creative Director of Sound Design, Renzo Vitale, says these sounds are designed to “inspire drivers – so they (the car) can inspire us back.”
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The upcoming all-new BMW iX3 will be the first Neue Klasse model from BMW. The electric SUV will feature the marque’s new electronic control unit (ECU), called “Heart of Joy”, that can manage all driving functions such as accelerating, regenerative braking, and steering, 10 times faster than previous systems.
BMW quotes an 800 km (WLTP) range, in part thanks to the Neue Klasse’s 800V electrical architecture. The higher voltage also brings about charging benefits, as it’ll be able to support DC fast charging of up to 400 kW, adding 350km of range in just 10 minutes. On that note, BMW says it’ll come with an AI-assisted intelligent charging flap that can automatically open and close by recognising its environment.
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The upcoming BMW iX3 will also feature an upgraded regenerative braking system that allows for power recuperation across a wider speed range, all the way down to a standstill. BMW says it can come to a complete stop without using physical brakes in 98% of driving scenarios.
Inside, the upcoming all-new BMW iX3 is also said to debut new Panoramic iDrive powered by Operating System X. This system displays key driving information within the driver’s line of sight and supports over-the-air updates for both software and electronics.
Along with this, BMW has also teased the rough appearance of the upcoming Neue Klasse iX3. Judging from the clips on BMW’s website about the HypersonX audio, the car features a near-identical front-end to the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X unveiled last year. From the side, the car’s silhouette reveals a flat nose and a squarer body shape, contrasting with the rounder shape of the iX.
