BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience

BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience

      BMW

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      Since the upcoming electric Neue Klasse sedan won’t have a straight-six engine to charm its passengers, BMW is opting for a unique solution. The brand has taken cues from nature and architecture, among other influences, to develop a new sound concept named HypersonX. This concept aims to set its upcoming electric vehicles apart from competitors and from BMW’s existing models.

      HypersonX is integrated into the Panoramic iDrive system and created by BMW’s Sound Design Studio located in Munich. This is noteworthy because the soundscapes in some of BMW's current electric vehicles, such as the iX, involved contributions from renowned film composer Hans Zimmer.

      We have not yet experienced the sound of the Neue Klasse, but it is reported that the soundscape features at least 43 sound signals and special driving sounds associated with the various driving modes. BMW asserts that this extensive range of sounds will foster "an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle" by adjusting the sound to fit the driving context. While this concept isn’t entirely new—BMW’s electric vehicles currently produce different sounds in Sport mode compared to Eco mode—HypersonX plans to employ fewer fundamental notes but a broader acoustic spectrum with significantly improved dynamic range.

      If the images shared by BMW are anything to go by, the outcome should sound somewhat more natural. One image depicts a person jotting down notes while holding an attractive rock, while another features an audio engineer with headphones, positioning a microphone next to a leaf, reminiscent of Jurassic Park.

      It all sounds quite avant-garde, at least in theory. “Under acceleration, the vehicle creates the impression of navigating through various three-dimensional layers of sound, authentically conveying the sensation of speed and BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics into the cabin,” a company release states.

      We'll hold our judgement until we can experience it firsthand. However, the aim is not for the Neue Klasse to resemble a robot-operated flying saucer. The soundscape incorporates a human aspect as well. BMW encouraged its design team members to share recent moments of joy. Each response was recorded, transformed into sounds, and woven into the welcome sequence that plays when you enter the vehicle. In essence, the same individuals who designed the Neue Klasse will greet you with their voices each time you get behind the wheel.

      Incorporating a human element into the Neue Klasse emphasizes one of the project’s fundamental principles. During the debut of the Neue Klasse concept in September 2023, former BMW lead designer Domagoj Dukec mentioned that the styling reflects people's desire for a car that is simple, clean, and understandable. “It’s far more than just an aesthetic approach. We aim to enhance the car from mediocre to excellent,” he remarked.

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BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience

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BMW Captured Sounds from Factories and Workers for the Neue Klasse's Audio Experience

BMW's innovative HypersonX system features 43 distinct sounds drawn from art and nature, set to accompany its Neue Klasse electric vehicles while they are in motion.