The sound of the vehicles of the future: Hans Zimmer and BMW Group work together on sound design for electric mobility.

Munich. Hans Zimmer is known worldwide for his film
music. He has composed countless soundtracks for Hollywood and won
numerous awards. Now Hans Zimmer, together with Renzo Vitale, acoustic
engineer and sound designer at the BMW Group, has composed the sound
for the BMW Vision M NEXT. The Vision M NEXT celebrates its world
premiere on June 25th 2019 at #NEXTGen. Hans Zimmer: “I have always been a BMW
enthusiast. As a kid I used to recognise my mother coming home by the
sound of her BMW. I am thrilled to get the chance to design the sound
of future electric BMW’s and create emotion for the future electric
driving experience.”

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale composed the drive sounds and sound
signs for the BMW Vision M NEXT together in Zimmer’s studios in London
and Los Angeles. Vitale: “We envision sounds that celebrate the beauty
and complexity of our vehicles and that are able to move people. I see
designing people’s future acoustic environment both as a privilege and
as a responsibility. Working on this together with Hans Zimmer is a
special honor for me – both as an acoustic engineer and as a musician.”

 

Kickoff for BMW IconicSounds Electric

The silence of driving electrically is often cited as a major
advantage of electric mobility. However, as the range of electrified
models increases, a gap in the emotionality of the driving experience
arises in the driver’s seat. Under the brand name “BMW
IconicSounds Electric” a visionary sound offer will be created
for future electrified vehicles from BMW. “We want to get BMW
IconicSounds Electric in position for customers who value emotional
sound. With BMW IconicSounds Electric they will be able to experience
the joy of driving with all their senses”, said Jens Thiemer,
Senior Vice President BMW Brand. The sound of the BMW Vision M NEXT
gives a glimpse into the future of BMW IconicSounds Electric.

 

Sound inspired by art

The BMW Vision M NEXT is a statement for the driver – and so is its
sound. When driving electrically, the driver who is used to the
familiar sound of a combustion engine experiences the paradigm shift
of powertrain technology. For some, this may lead to an alienation
between driver and vehicle. The sound of the Vision M NEXT aims to
create harmony between the driver and the electrically driven vehicle.
This is achieved through the inspiration of art. Vitale: “The
development and composition for the sound of the Vision M NEXT was
mainly inspired by light installations from James Turrell and Ólafur
Elíasson. In particular, Turrell realized works known for the illusion
of an infinite space, which creates a magical experience for the
spectator. The idea behind the Vision M NEXT is to recreate this sense
of wonder through sound.”

Hans Zimmer: “When the driver interacts with the accelerator pedal it
is not only a mechanical touchpoint but also a performative element.
Accelerating becomes an experience during which the driver moves
through a series of gradually morphing sound textures.”

 

BMW Group has been developing sound for electric mobility for
around ten years now

In 2009, with the introduction of the MINI E test fleet, acoustic
engineers from the BMW Group were already working on artificially
generated sound, which was intended to contribute to the better
perceptibility of vehicles with barely audible drivetrains. Since the
launch of the BMW i3, customers have therefore been able to choose
acoustic pedestrian protection as optional equipment.

The sound of the acoustic pedestrian protection has since been
further developed in line with new legislative requirements and is now
gradually being rolled out as standard in all plug-in hybrids and
all-electric vehicles from BMW (requirements for acoustic pedestrian
protection as well as operating times vary worldwide). The aim in the
development was to fulfil the important warning function without
disturbing pedestrians. At the same time, the customer should continue
to enjoy a high level of acoustic comfort in the vehicle.