BMW M relies on engine sounds in its electric vehicles
Image: BMW (illustrative)
Most electric vehicles currently provide little information about the engine’s operating level. Future high-performance electric models from BMW M will feature a distinctly audible engine sound. According to Alexander Karajlovic, head of development at BMW M, this sound is intended to give the driver clear feedback on the electric motor’s operating range. The manager revealed this in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
"Sound is a source of feedback, the feedback loop between driver and vehicle. It provides information about the vehicle's condition," said Karajlovic. "With a combustion engine, the driver knows which RPM range they are in. Additionally, there is the sound from the tires and the road; one can sense when loss of traction is approaching."
Without sound, the driver lacks a crucial element of this feedback loop, according to Karajlovic. The BMW M development chief emphasized: "It should be authentic to the powertrain, derived from the electric motors." This means no artificial sound of combustion engines is created, but rather a sound that matches the powertrain.
To assist in vehicle control, BMW M plans to introduce various selectable RPM ranges. “We have a very high power potential with the four electric motors in our M Concept, and if that’s implemented with a conventional input gearbox, you end up with an almost infinite RPM range. That’s why we segment it,” explained Karajlovic.
In the different segments, which BMW M refers to as “Stages” according to the development chief, there are varying characteristics in the response of the accelerator pedal and different levels of regenerative braking. “This gives the driver a reference point within the RPM range, making it easier for them to control the vehicle with the appropriate response.”
Based on the second generation of the “New Class” electric vehicle platform, the BMW sedan i3, a particularly powerful and dynamic BMW M model will be introduced. Frank van Meel, head of the M Division, recently described the first electric M3 as the “natural rival” to internal combustion engines. The goal is to attract buyers away from the newly offered gasoline version by offering superior dynamics.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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