Can Sound Save Electric Cars From Feeling Boring? BMW Thinks So

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Electric vehicles may be swift, economical, and cutting-edge, but for numerous drivers, they remain… devoid. The tranquility that once represented advancement now potentially diminishes the emotional journey within the car. In an attempt to address this issue, a rising number of automakers are posing an innovative query: Could sound rejuvenate electric cars?

BMW’s innovative approach to this challenge is named HypersonX – an adaptive audio environment tailored for the forthcoming Neue Klasse vehicles. This project could potentially be one of the most daring electric vehicle sound design initiatives so far.

The Sound of BMW’s Neue Klasse

In 2025, HypersonX, a creation from BMW Group Sound Design Studio, is set to premiere. It boasts 43 unique audio signals meticulously designed, which adapt based on your driving style. This innovation employs spatial modulation to create the sensation of passing through various sound layers rather than mere space while accelerating.

In both the Personal and Sport settings, the sound focus emphasizes the fundamentals and is influenced by tones derived from nature and architectural elements from art and science, as stated by Renzo Vitale, BMW’s Creative Director of Sound Design. Instead of imitating traditional gas engines, HypersonX endeavors to forge a unique emotional bond through warmth, accuracy, and subtlety.

Upon entering the cabin, you’re greeted with a cheerful sound, created by the voices of BMW employees speaking in their native tongues. This warm welcome aims to infuse a sense of human touch and joy from the very start.

The Race for Meaningful Sound

Cars with internal combustion engines narrate their unique identities through sound – consider the shrill roar of a Ferrari V12, the piercing howl of a Porsche flat-six, or the deep growl of a Dodge V8. These sounds transcend mere noise; they serve as branding elements, feedback mechanisms, and sources of delight. Electric vehicles (EVs), however, tend to be virtually silent; while this contributes to their smoothness, it may come at the cost of personality. The potential consequence is that drivers might feel detached from the vehicles they once cherished.

In 2022, BMW wasn’t the sole automaker chasing emotional connections. They teamed up with Hans Zimmer to create unique electric vehicle sounds. A year later, Mercedes-AMG introduced their MBUX Sound Drive system in partnership with will.i.am, merging technology, music, and car culture into a single immersive experience. This innovative system converts acceleration, braking, and steering actions into real-time musical expressions.

will.i.am stated that the future might be less noisy due to engines, but Mercedes-AMG will never stop being anything but loud in its self-perception and among its fans,” said this tech-savvy car enthusiast who has worked closely with the brand on two upcoming vehicle builds under his name ‘will.i.AMG’. This collaboration highlights how sound is increasingly becoming a crucial aspect of product design.

Moreover, there’s the Dodge Charger Daytona EV, which sports a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust – an artificially created 126-decibel growl designed to mimic the rawness of traditional gasoline-powered muscle cars. Similarly, the Ioniq 5 N from Hyundai offers synthetic rev-matching and exhaust pops. Likewise, Nissan has revived its R32 GT-R as an EV concept, incorporating synthesized engine sounds based on the legendary RB26DETT. In summary, automakers are not just focusing on sound for regulatory reasons, but also to establish identity, foster engagement, and evoke emotion.

Designing a New Kind of Sensory

As a gamer, I’d say: I’ve spent countless hours tweaking and refining my character’s lines in a game, and that’s nothing compared to what BMW did with HypersonX’s voice. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about selecting the perfect tone, the right words that truly resonate. This new automotive soundscape isn’t about copying the past; it’s about creating something fresh and captivating. Sound is no longer a mere byproduct of engines; it’s a narrative tool, a marketing asset, and a sensory link between us and our machines.

Could it be that sound could make electric cars less dull for us? That’s what BMW and other leading brands are betting on, but we’ll have to wait and see.

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2025-04-18 06:26