BMW has introduced a new sound experience for its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles, as part of a broader overhaul that includes a fresh electric platform, updated exterior styling, and redesigned dashboard layout. The HypersonX soundscape, developed in-house by BMW’s Sound Design Studio, will debut with the 2026 iX3 SUV, scheduled to launch in September.
The German automaker, which had previously collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on sound design for its earlier electric vehicles, said the new audio system provides a more immersive and emotional driving experience. According to BMW, HypersonX integrates 43 unique sound signals tailored to different drive modes and interior interactions.
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“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically,” said Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design at BMW Group. “Through our focus on precision, warmth, and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle.”
BMW said the system delivers a more natural auditory experience despite using fewer notes than previous iterations. The audio experience adapts in real-time based on driving input, shifting through layered sound elements to simulate motion and enhance the perception of speed, particularly in the Personal and Sport Mode settings.
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Beyond driving dynamics, HypersonX also delivers auditory cues for vehicle entry and other in-cabin moments. The company noted that the sound palette draws inspiration from sources including art, nature, and light, with contributions from a choir made up of members of the development team.
The first vehicle to showcase the new sound design, the iX3, will be followed by the i330 sedan in 2027, both part of BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup. The lineup is expected to represent a significant evolution in the automaker’s electrification strategy.