With the New Class, BMW is not only launching a new vehicle concept, but also a completely new sound design.
Sound plays a bigger role than you might think – primarily in electromobility, where classic engine noises are hardly present anymore.
Sound as an emotional link
With HypersonX BMW wants to address this very issue and bring emotions directly into the vehicle interior through sound. What we hear influences our experience—this is especially true when driving. BMW's HypersonX-System was specifically developed to make the subjective perception of acceleration, deceleration or simply getting in more emotional.
Responsible for this is Renzo Vitale, sound designer at BMW Group, who previously worked with Hans Zimmer on the sound of the electric fleet. Zimmer appears to no longer be involved in the HypersonX project – Vitale is taking over complete creative direction.
Im BMW iX3, which will be released in early 2026 as the first production model based on the New Class, HypersonX will be used for the first time. Shortly thereafter, the new BMW i3Both models use the new platform – technically and acoustically.
43 sound symbols for more depth
The focus of the new sound system is 43 specially developed sound symbols, which sound different depending on the driving mode – Personal or Sport. This is not just a bit of "future humming", but rather specific sound patterns that can be combined with other systems such as the iDrive X and the new one Panoramic Vision Display are coordinated. Light shows are also part of this holistic experience.
The sound elements themselves are inspired by natural sounds, but also by patterns from art and science. Unlike previous BMW E sounds, HypersonX relies on fewer fundamental tonesthat for it more precise and more emotional A specially developed Audio control unit dynamically adapts the tones to the respective situation.
Sound with character
Vitale describes HypersonX as a system that Precision, warmth and lightness establishes a connection between driver and vehicle. The goal: Each model of the New Class should be acoustically recognizable – even without the engine sound. With this, BMW aims to create a new kind of identity that functions not through performance or design, but through the sound.
Market launch is imminent
The countdown has begun: With the BMW iX3 The first vehicle with HypersonX will be launched in early 2026. The BMW i3 followed a few months later. Both models marked the beginning of a new era at BMW – not only in terms of technology and design, but also acoustically.
All further information and audio samples can be found in the video. Image and video credits/source: BMW | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
