BMW M Division to Introduce Simulated Gear Shifting and Sound Effects in Electric Vehicles

June 25, 2024 – The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, highly praised by car enthusiasts, has emerged as one of the electric vehicles (EVs) that places the utmost emphasis on the driving experience. Recently, the head of BMW’s M division revealed that they are developing simulated gear shifting and sound effects for their electric cars, a move clearly inspired by the IONIQ 5 N.

When crafting their first N-branded electric car, Hyundai could have simply enhanced the power, optimized the chassis, and strengthened the braking system of the regular IONIQ 5, similar to what Kia did with the EV6 GT. However, Hyundai went beyond this approach, introducing a series of features designed to elevate the driving experience, making the IONIQ 5 N stand out. One notable feature is the simulation of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission’s shifting experience.

In a recent interview with Top Gear, a prominent British car magazine, Frank van Meel, the head of BMW’s M division, shared his thoughts on the IONIQ 5 N. Van Meel praised Hyundai’s high-performance EV and hinted that future BMW EV buyers could expect a similar driving thrill.

“I like their [Hyundai’s] approach, and it aligns with our thinking,” van Meel stated. “When driving, you need some feedback. If you’re on a race track, you don’t have time to look at the speedometer or tachometer. During a race, if you spend time looking at the dashboard, you’ll get passed by other cars. Therefore, drivers need a way to understand the current gear and feel the engine’s RPM.”

He continued, “In a pure electric car, with only one gear and no sound or emotional stimulus, it’s hard for the driver to perceive whether the current speed is 125 km/h, 150 km/h, or something else. We need a solution that allows the driver to connect with the vehicle without constantly staring at the speedometer. That’s why I believe Hyundai’s approach with simulated gear shifting and sound effects – which is precisely what we’ve been doing – is the right direction. Our high-performance EVs also need such features.”

Frank mentioned that BMW’s M division has been researching simulated gear shifting in EVs for many years and has developed “very interesting solutions.”

BMW’s M division’s first high-performance EV based on a new platform will be a sedan, expected to hit the market in 2026 or 2027. The car is currently being tested with a four-motor drive system, potentially delivering a maximum power output exceeding 1,341 horsepower, which is remarkable for a sedan.

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