The latest Neue Klasse concept hints at the future of BMW M, including a central computer that BMW calls the "Heart of Joy."

Ahead of its official world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2025 in April, BMW has just introduced a new high-performance test vehicle called Vision Driving Experience that serves as a rolling test rig for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology developed specially for its next generation of vehicles a.

The BMW Vision Driving Experience concept is the latest in a line of vehicles that preview the next iteration of the BMW 3-series, with the iconic sports sedan set to feature both traditional gas and electric powertrains.

It was a cold day at BMW’s Performance Driving Center in Greer, SC, and beneath the five-point harnesses, roll cage, and heavily camouflaged body, Klingmann had an unexpected co-pilot: a tiny black box called the “Heart of Joy.

Is this what the electric BMW M3 will look like? All signs point to the iM3 adopting the design of the Vision Driving Experience.

We get a spin in BMW’s Vision Driving Experience concept equipped with the automaker’s new Heart of Joy system controller.

BMW wants you to remember this concept as its “Heart of Joy” demonstrator, but for all intents and purposes, the Vision Driving Experience is more than just a cheesy prototype. It’s our best look yet at what the Bavarian brand has in store for us over the next few years with its Neue Klasse series of vehicles—both in design and underlying technology.