BMW’s Vision Driving Experience (VDX) is an all-electric, quad-motor, high-performance prototype built as a rolling test rig, not a production-intent concept. The Germans are using it to validate their new central control computer “Heart of Joy,” developed for BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse EVs.
BMW says every fully-electric Neue Klasse model will use the Heart of Joy control unit, even though the VDX itself will not enter series production. We got to spend some time around the VDX, and here’s how we think it is relevant to future performance BMWs.
Stress testing for high torque
To “over-test” the hardware and software, BMW says the VDX develops up to 13,269 lb-ft (18,000 Nm) of torque. We assume BMW is referring to wheel torque here, and the motors could generate a tenth of that.
Given the mountain of torque, the control system can handle power spikes beyond everyday use cases. BMW has also cited active aerodynamics delivering up to 2,646 lb (1.2 tonnes) of downforce and lateral forces of up to 3 g, figures which are far beyond everyday requirements.
What the Heart of Joy does
Heart of Joy consolidates drivetrain, braking, charging management, energy recuperation, and select steering functions into a single high-performance unit. Debuting in the new iX3, BMW says it processes information 10 times faster than previous systems and works with in-house BMW Dynamic Performance Control software to calculate driving dynamics functions with millisecond-range latency.
Heavy regenerative braking
BMW claims the integrated control of drivetrain, braking, and recuperation increases efficiency by up to 25% versus current architectures. It also says 98% of braking maneuvers can be handled through regeneration alone, with friction brakes primarily reserved for heavy or emergency braking. You won’t change brake pads on this car frequently!
On video, BMW has demonstrated system behavior using illuminated wheel-rim color coding where green is for acceleration, blue is for energy recuperation, and orange is when the friction brakes engage. Unless we’re driving for an F1 team, we don’t want our charging or battery boost on display. Leave this one on the concept car, BMW!
Production car influence
BMW has endurance-tested the VDX and Heart of Joy at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
While the first iteration of the Heart of Joy and BMW’s next-gen electric motors will be seen in the U.S.-bound new iX3 and the i3 sedan this year, we’re expecting a far more powerful and capable system to feature in the future models.
As per BMWBlog and going by recent spy shots, the BMW iM3 (codename: BMW ZA0) and BMW iX3M (codename: BMW ZA5) are marching towards production, with the former expected to enter production in March 2027 with around 800 hp and the VDX’s quad-motor setup, and the latter following in November 2027 with 670 hp.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
