Four “Superbrains” will handle virtually all of the features and functions in the Neue Klasse, improving efficiency, reducing energy use, and reducing weight. AI edited graphic.
In a new press release, BMW focuses on the new “digital nervous system” and the four “Superbains” to be launched with the Neue Klasse vehicles they’re about to launch. BMW has also started describing the Neue Klasse vehicles as “SDVs.” Note that this differs from BMW designating the X Series models as SAVs (sports activity vehicles) rather than SUVs (sports utility vehicles).
SDVs: Software-Defined Vehicles
“Technology openness is the key to BMW’s success. Starting with the first model of the Neue Klasse, we will roll out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across the entire future model portfolio – across all segments and all drivetrains. This also applies to our completely newly developed electronic architecture made up of powerful ‘Superbrains’ and highly interconnected software platforms. This architecture allows us to decouple the development of the vehicle and software from each other. The advantage: More than ever before, all future BMW models will remain digitally up to date via over-the-air upgrades and will receive updates even from the next and subsequent vehicle generations,” says Frank Weber, Board Member for Development at BMW AG.
The press release continues, describing some of the advantages of the new technology architecture, developed mostly in-house from the simplified “zonal” wiring harness that uses 600 meters less wiring and reduces weight to higher-speed connections, programmable “Smart eFuses” that replace 150 traditional fuses, and a “Shared Service Layer” middleware designed to provide security, updates, and AI functions.
“With the introduction of the Neue Klasse, we are entering a mode of software development where we achieve software continuity. This means we continuously develop software rather than starting from scratch each time,” says Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President, BMW Group Electronics and Software.
According to the release, “For the Neue Klasse, the development teams are working on well over 1,000 software modules, over 20 GB of software, and over 500 million lines of code, which will ultimately be integrated into the Superbrains and the rest of the electronic architecture in the vehicle.”
According to the description, virtually every car component will be connected, controlled, and programmable, and it will likely be locked down tight.
A new integrated wiring harness system will connect the four “Superbrains” and reduce wiring used by 600 meters. BMW AG photo.
Four Brains: Essential Functions
The latest issue of BMW Car Club Magazine: BimmerLife includes a story about the first of the new brains, unironically called the “Heart of Joy.” As indicated in the article, vehicles with this brain/heart are very responsive and quick, creating an exciting driving experience. The press release explains, “In fully electric BMWs of the Neue Klasse, the first completely BMW-developed driving dynamics control system will be used: BMW Dynamic Performance Control. It enables the most precise driving experience to date, efficient energy recuperation, impressive smoothness even at low speeds, and perfect traction for dynamic acceleration. Motor and chassis control are combined in a single control unit for the first time and respond with a delay of less than one millisecond, ten times faster than the previously used control units.”
The second Superbrain focuses on automated driving. The third Superbrain controls the BMW Panoramic iDrive system. The fourth Superbrain controls basic functions and acts as the control center for access, climate control, lighting, data flow, and software upgrades. That fourth Superbrain controls up to 100 vehicle functions and is connected to 50 sensors.
And yes, they all talk to BMW Cloud.
BMW AG Graphic
Software Origins
While the release indicates that BMW keeps much of its software development in-house, employing around 10,000 IT and software experts, the company also buys some software “for which leading solutions already exist and do not significantly shape customer experience.” These are sourced from leading companies in the industry or covered through open-source solutions.
What does it mean?
The further integration of technology with vehicles continues to evolve. More and more aspects of your daily driver, fun sports car, or family hauler will continue to become more tightly integrated and efficient. More functions and features will be controlled via a software interface rather than physical buttons. And all of it will likely need a nearly full-time internet connection and frequent software updates. Time will tell whether such technological advances are worth in the enthusiast market.
Read the full press release here.
Tags: heart of joy integration superbrains technology
