BMW Group Sound Design Studio has developed a sound concept for the next generation of BMW vehicles scheduled for launch in 2025.
BMW Operating System X enables drive sounds tailored to the driving situation at hand in Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The immersive spectrum of audio effects has been designed to increase the holistic user experience.
Fueled by the all-electric Neue Klasse models, BMW aims to create a holistic driving and user experience using elements of the BMW Panoramic iDrive concept such as the new HypersonX soundscape. The system is made up of 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multidimensional spectrum adapts the sounds to the driving situation at hand, to create an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.
The automotive sound experience has been made possible by the technological advances in hardware and software brought by the Neue Klasse. BMW Operating System X and a newly developed control unit enable a significant expansion of the dynamic range.
The spatial modulation of the drive sound immerses occupants in the soundscape generated by HypersonX. Under acceleration, for example, the vehicle gives the impression of moving between different three-dimensional layers of sound. The drive sounds have been inspired by tones from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. HypersonX has fewer basic notes than the sound experience previously employed, but the acoustic spectrum has grown to include a new dimensional level. This gives the sound more ‘color’, depth and precision. The middle and lower frequency ranges of the sound spectrum have been enhanced to create a well-balanced acoustic ambience.
Adding a human touch, a choir of BMW Group Design Studio employees creates a welcome sound. Carefully isolated elements of the choir welcome and treat the driver to moments of joy and human warmth.
“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,” said Renzo Vitale, creative director of sound design at BMW Group.
More than nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated and then filtered to fit the BMW. The result creates an emotional connection between human and vehicle in all driving situations and brings a positive, congenial and inviting aura to the acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse.
In related news, new features and technologies have recently been added to the Polestar 2 for its 2026 model year update – notably several new elements inside the cabin. Click here to read the full story.
