BMW Group is pushing the boundaries of driving pleasure with the “Heart of Joy” control unit, set to be featured in the Neue Klasse models, which represent the future of mobility. This advanced system processes data for powertrain, braking, charging, energy recovery, and steering functions ten times faster than previous systems. Powered by BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the Heart of Joy redefines driving dynamics by calculating responses with unparalleled speed and precision.
Developed entirely in-house by BMW engineers, who have more than a century of experience in driving dynamics, the Heart of Joy delivers 18,000 Nm of torque, surpassing conventional standards with ease. The system optimizes regenerative braking, integrating powertrain and braking functions to enhance efficiency. As one of the four central control units in Neue Klasse’s innovative electronic architecture, Heart of Joy uniquely combines powertrain and driving dynamics into a single, high-performance system.
Traditional systems rely on separate control algorithms for powertrain and braking, limiting the full potential of electric vehicles. However, with BMW Dynamic Performance Control, the centralized processing unit ensures that all actuators respond in milliseconds, achieving a seamless and highly efficient driving experience.
BMW AG Board Member and Head of Development Frank Weber highlights the Heart of Joy’s transformative impact:
“This new control unit enhances not only driving pleasure but also efficiency, significantly extending range. In the future, drivers will rely almost entirely on regenerative braking for deceleration—this is EfficientDynamics at an entirely new level.”
BMW M Motorsport driver Jens Klingmann, a veteran of endurance racing, also praised the new system:
“The BMW Vision Driving Experience is incredibly exciting, pushing the limits of driving physics to a new level. For me, motorsport is about performance and precision, and this system delivers even more than that.”
The integration of Heart of Joy with BMW Dynamic Performance Control results in unmatched cornering stability and comfort, adapting to varying speeds and conditions for both driver and passengers. The system requires minimal input while maintaining precise and stable handling, ensuring a fluid and intuitive driving experience.
With D and B driving modes and Active Cruise Control, transitions between braking, stopping, and restarting are seamless. In low-speed maneuvers, such as parking or stop-and-go traffic, the system processes data at lightning speed, enhancing responsiveness and overall driving pleasure.
By integrating powertrain, braking, and regenerative energy control, the Heart of Joy optimizes energy usage, improving overall efficiency by 25%. Regenerative braking alone suffices for daily driving, with friction brakes engaging only in emergency or high-intensity braking situations.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle visually represents the Heart of Joy’s real-time operation through color-coded wheel indicators:
The next-generation BMW models will incorporate four super-intelligent computers, integrating previously separate functions into a seamless system. Entirely developed in-house, the Heart of Joy will combine four critical control units into a single high-performance computer. The remaining three will manage automated driving, infotainment, climate control, comfort systems, vehicle access, and lighting.
With this revolutionary technology, BMW is shaping the future of driving, bringing a new dimension to electric, digital, and sustainable mobility while staying true to its “Sheer Driving Pleasure” philosophy.
