As BMW prepares to launch its next era of vehicles with the all-electric Neue Klasse models in 2025, the company is placing a strong emphasis on creating a holistic and innovative driving and user experience. A key component of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive concept is the groundbreaking HypersonX soundscape. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, this sophisticated auditory experience comprises a comprehensive palette of 43 distinct sound signals, along with specialized driving sounds tailored for both Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The defining characteristic of HypersonX is its multi-dimensional spectrum, which dynamically adapts the sounds with exceptional precision to the specific driving situation at any given moment. This intricate and responsive sound design aims to forge a deeper emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle, enhancing the overall driving pleasure.
The creation of this new dimension in automotive sound has been made possible by the significant technological advancements in both hardware and software that underpin the Neue Klasse architecture. The revolutionary BMW Operating System X, in conjunction with a newly developed audio control unit, lays the foundation for an entirely innovative audio architecture. This advanced system allows the overall experience offered by the Neue Klasse models to be meticulously perfected not only in terms of vehicle character, driving dynamics, and functional capabilities but also at a fundamental acoustic level. The result is a soundscape that is integral to the Neue Klasse’s identity, contributing significantly to its unique and distinctive character.
A New Dimension in Drive Sounds: Distinctive and Precisely Honed: Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group, emphasizes the pivotal role of HypersonX, stating, “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.” The drive sounds within HypersonX, whether in Personal Mode or Sport Mode, are intentionally focused on the essential elements of the driving experience. These sounds draw inspiration from the natural world, incorporating tones reminiscent of nature, as well as structures and patterns found in the realms of art and science. Notably, HypersonX utilizes fewer basic notes compared to the sound experiences previously employed by BMW. However, this reduction in fundamental tones is counterbalanced by a significant expansion of the acoustic spectrum to include a new dimensional level. This augmentation imbues the sound with greater “colour,” depth, and an enhanced sense of precision, ultimately embodying the sheer pleasure of driving for which the BMW brand is globally renowned more effectively than ever before. A critical technological enabler of this capability is the newly developed audio control unit specifically designed for the Neue Klasse. This advanced unit allows for a significant expansion of the dynamic range of the sound produced, contributing to the richness and detail of the HypersonX soundscape. Furthermore, the spatial modulation of the drive sound, a key feature achievable within the Neue Klasse, ensures that all vehicle occupants are thoroughly immersed in the auditory environment generated by HypersonX. For instance, during acceleration, the vehicle creates the distinct impression of moving seamlessly between different three-dimensional layers of sound. This spatial manipulation effectively and authentically translates the feeling of speed and BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics directly into the cabin, enhancing the sensory experience for everyone inside the vehicle.
Beyond the dynamic drive sounds, the human element is a central design principle of the welcome sound that greets occupants upon entering a Neue Klasse vehicle. In addition to an intelligent reduction to the essential auditory elements, the human aspect played a particularly significant role in the overall development of the soundscape for the Neue Klasse. Specifically, the middle and lower frequency ranges of the BMW HypersonX sound spectrum have been intentionally brought to the forefront. This emphasis on these frequency ranges creates a well-balanced and acoustically pleasing ambience within the cabin. This carefully crafted sound environment, in conjunction with intuitive operation of the vehicle’s systems, precisely adjusted light effects within the interior, and a homely overall interior design, collectively contributes to a heightened sense of wellbeing for those on board. Adding a unique and deeply personal touch to the welcome sound is a “choir” composed of employees from the BMW Group Design Studio. These employees contributed their voices, speaking in their respective native languages, to capture and convey moments of driving joy. Carefully isolated elements of these authentic recordings are then artfully integrated to enhance the overall composition of the welcome sound to an exceptional degree. The result is a welcome experience that treats the driver to initial moments of genuine joy and a sense of human warmth, setting a positive tone for the journey ahead.
BMW HypersonX is designed to imbue the sounds of the Neue Klasse with an expressive and distinctive character, while also maintaining an understated and sensitive feel. To achieve this nuanced auditory experience, the BMW Group Sound Design Studio employed a new algorithm to generate an astounding number – more than nine million individual sound instances – all based on BMW’s established sound DNA. These vast sonic possibilities were then meticulously filtered and refined at the BMW Group Sound Design Studio to extract the brand’s quintessential acoustic essence. This brand-typical essence is then used to generate a cohesive and multi-dimensional acoustic experience that is unique to the Neue Klasse. The ultimate result is a soundscape that effectively creates a strong emotional connection between the human occupants and the vehicle in all driving situations. Furthermore, HypersonX aims to bring a positive, congenial, and inviting aura to the overall acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse, contributing to a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience.
Summary:
- BMW HypersonX is a new soundscape for the 2025 Neue Klasse electric models.
- It comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal and Sport Modes.
- The sound adapts to the driving situation, creating an emotional interaction.
- A new audio control unit enables a significant expansion of the dynamic range.
- Spatial modulation of the drive sound immerses occupants.
- Humanity is a central design element of the welcome sound, featuring BMW employees’ voices.
- Over nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated.
- HypersonX aims for an expressive, distinctive, understated, and sensitive feel.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on a press release and may be subject to change. The specific features and sound experience of the Neue Klasse models may vary.
Source: BMW
AI Assistance: Gemini
