Towards the end of last year, BMW took us for a ride in a priceless prototype, then told us to keep quiet about it for several months. Now that the embargo has been lifted, we’re free to share all the exciting details. BMW calls this prototype the Vision Driving Experience, and it emphasizes that the vehicle is “not intended for production.” While that may be technically true, we can read between the lines. Beyond the Neue Klasse body, it’s likely that the technology from this car will influence future M-branded electric vehicles — possibly the first electric BMW M3.

Although we weren’t given full details on the powertrain of the BMW Vision Driving Experience, we did get to experience its performance firsthand. This prototype introduces a new technology known as “The Heart of Joy,” which will appear in every fully electric production model of the Neue Klasse and manage critical elements like the drivetrain, brakes, charging, energy recuperation, and steering. The integration of such advanced technology makes one think about how future BMW owners may need specialized BMW ECM repair and other services to ensure these cutting-edge systems continue performing at their best.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Development, shared:

“The Heart of Joy allows us to elevate driving pleasure not only to the next level but beyond that. At the same time, we’re enhancing efficiency, which means boosting range, as drivers will almost exclusively use regenerative braking. This is Efficient Dynamics, taken to the next level.”

Could This Be the Electric M3?

Before heading out in the Vision Driving Experience, BMW had us gear up in a full racing suit. We were then strapped into one of four carbon fiber racing seats in its minimalist interior. Our destination was BMW’s track in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where we were about to experience the prototype’s incredible capabilities. The result left us in awe.

The Vision Driving Experience generates a jaw-dropping 13,269 lb-ft of torque, which can literally press you into the carbon seats. BMW’s goal with this prototype is to showcase the performance of “The Heart of Joy” under immense power, demonstrating that it can easily handle the demands of the average driver.

While EVs are often criticized for their lack of soul, this prototype produces a high-pitched whine reminiscent of a jet engine. While not quite the roar of a V8, it’s still thrilling. One feature that probably won’t make it to production is the set of fans that keep the car glued to the ground, much like the McMurtry Speirling, which smashed the Goodwood Hill Climb record. These fans generate a massive 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds) of downforce, surpassing the 750 kg (1,653 lbs) generated by a Formula 1 car at 100 mph. The Vision Driving Experience handles as though it’s defying the laws of physics, with BMW claiming it can pull up to 3g in corners—on par with a NASCAR Cup Series car.

Though BMW didn’t disclose all the specs, the prototype is rumored to be powered by four electric motors delivering a combined megawatt of power (around 1,300 horsepower). However, it’s unclear if we experienced the full extent of this power during our ride. Toward the end of the hot laps, the driver revealed a “drift mode” that disables the front motors, allowing for some epic slides. And sure enough, the driver proceeded to turn black rubber into white smoke, leaving us with wide grins.

What Might Make it to Production?

While BMW confirms the prototype won’t be mass-produced, the Heart of Joy technology will make its way into future vehicles. This electronic control unit (ECU), contained in a small black box, manages braking, steering, acceleration, energy recuperation, anti-lock braking, and more in just one millisecond—ten times faster than BMW’s current ECUs. In total, four ECUs will handle all vehicle functions: automated driving, climate control, vehicle access, and lighting. For comparison, modern BMWs use anywhere from 30 to 50 ECUs, but Neue Klasse vehicles will only need four. This means future BMW EVs will offer a much more responsive driving experience.

With fewer inputs needed from the driver, stability and cornering performance will be more consistent. BMW also claims that under most conditions, the regenerative braking system will be so powerful that physical brakes won’t even need to be engaged unless absolutely necessary. This will improve braking efficiency by 25%.

As BMW continues to advance its technology, companies like PresserTech offer essential services such as BMW ECM repair and BMW ECU replacement, which will be vital in keeping these complex systems in optimal condition. Maintaining the performance of these systems will be crucial as we move toward a future of high-performance electric BMWs.

Although we didn’t get behind the wheel of the Vision Driving Experience, the prototype gives us hope for the future of BMW’s electric performance cars. Currently, the Tesla Model 3 Performance reigns as the top electric performance value, and while BMW may not undercut it on price, it’s poised to outperform it in terms of pure performance. If this is a preview of the electric M3, we’re definitely excited.