BMW Vision Driving Experience Showcases Next-Gen Tech in Shanghai

BMW debuts Vision VDX in Shanghai with Heart of Joy system, 18,000 Nm torque and futuristic design. See how it redefines electric driving.

Just ahead of Auto Shanghai 2025, BMW delivered a stunning showcase with the unveiling of the BMW Vision Driving Experience — a prototype engineered to operate at the limits of driving physics. Built on the principles of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the vehicle isn’t just a showpiece but a technological testbed for future production models.

At its core lies the “Heart of Joy” — a high-performance central computer responsible for driving, braking, recuperation, and some steering functions. Capable of executing 98% of braking via energy regeneration and processing data at lightning speed, it lays the groundwork for unprecedented precision and handling.

VDX was developed to stress-test these systems under extreme conditions. Delivering up to 18,000 Nm of torque, generating 1.2 tons of downforce, and withstanding lateral acceleration up to 3g, it matches the dynamics of Formula 1 cars. As BMW emphasizes, mastering such forces guarantees seamless everyday performance.

BMW works driver Jens Klingmann and Red Bull Driftbrothers star Elias Hountondji took the wheel for the showcase, putting the VDX through high-intensity maneuvers that highlighted its performance potential under real-world pressure.

The visual impact matched the driving drama. The vehicle features luminescent paint that shifts from pale yellow to electric neon under varying light conditions, while UV-activated "magic film" on the rear creates a bold gradient from yellow to pink.

Although the VDX will not enter production, its technologies will form the backbone of BMW’s Neue Klasse EVs. These will roll off the production line in Debrecen, Hungary by the end of 2025. Over the following two years, BMW aims to launch six models on this platform, including upcoming sporty variants.

Neue Klasse marks a strategic cornerstone for BMW’s EV roadmap. Its architecture is centered on four “superbrains,” offering modularity, scalability, and full over-the-air update capabilities — an essential move toward smarter, more adaptive vehicles, potentially paving the way for future autonomous driving systems.

Source: bmwgroup.com