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2 clusters · 6 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Simulated gear shifting in performance electric vehicles

Overview

Automakers are increasingly adopting simulated gear shifting in high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) to replicate the tactile and rhythmic feedback of internal combustion engines. This trend aims to address the perceived loss of driving engagement caused by the seamless torque delivery typical of electric motors.

While some manufacturers, such as Hyundai with its Ioniq 5 N, use systems to mimic both engine sounds and gear change jolts, BMW M has taken a different approach. BMW M head Frank van Meel stated that the division will avoid synthesized engine sounds, calling the practice of mimicking V8 or V10 notes “copycat behavior.” Instead, BMW M intends to focus on providing a stepped sensation of gear changes without the actual interruption in power. This strategy is expected to debut in the ZA0, the internal code for the first fully electric BMW M3, with production anticipated to begin in Munich in March 2027.

Entities

BMW · BMW M · Porsche · Frank van Meel · Ioniq 5 N

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Automakers implement simulated gear shifting in performance EVs

    Automakers like Hyundai, Porsche, and BMW are adding simulated gear shifting to performance EVs to recreate the driving engagement and sound of traditional combustion engines.

  2. 16 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    BMW M to skip fake engine sounds in upcoming electric models

    BMW M head Frank van Meel announced that future electric M models will not feature fake engine sounds, though they will simulate stepped gear shifts to enhance driving sensation.

Sources

autoblog.nl · autocar.co.uk · autoinsider.nl · bmwblog.com · cnmo.com · kansasreflector.com