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Fully electric BMW i3 prototypes are currently undergoing a comprehensive test programme at the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, in advance of the BMW i3’s design premiere on 18 March 2026.
The new fully electric model generation features a sixth-generation eDrive along with the control unit consisting of the ‘superbrain’ Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack, which BMW says takes driving dynamics to “an entirely new level”.
The test and development team is performing the final fine-tuning of driving dynamics components on the snow-covered roads and frozen lakes of Sweden as the BMW i3 approaches series-production readiness.
Test drives for fine-tuning in extremely cold weather are a key part of vehicle testing.
Endurance tests in freezing temperatures and wintry road conditions in Sweden’s extreme north are a long-standing BMW tradition. The snow-covered roads around Arjeplog and the specially prepared surfaces of frozen lakes provide the ideal environment for evaluating and fine-tuning drive and suspension systems. Electronic control systems are a good example – the low friction coefficients of surfaces covered by snow and ice enable engineers to test, analyse and optimise the interactions of these systems under precisely reproducible conditions.
The Heart of Joy is one of four ‘superbrains’ in the Neue Klasse. Complemented by the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house, it forms the powerful new driving and dynamics control unit in the BMW i3, controlling the powertrain, brakes and some steering functions along with recuperation. Its responses are ten times faster than with previous systems.
Even on slippery surfaces like those in Arjeplog, the Heart of Joy ensures agile propulsion. In addition, the extremely fast control of the two electric motors ensures superior driving stability. Only electric motors are capable of processing and executing the lightning-fast commands. This enables the BMW i3 to deliver a light-footed and comfortable drive in every situation.
Even at the limits, the BMW i3 offers an extremely safe driving experience.
The new BMW i3 can be controlled with maximum precision. It responds instantly to steering inputs and creates a feeling of effortlessness. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of control interventions required – for example by the DSC system. The resulting cornering behaviour is more consistent and reproducible, giving the driver an even greater sense of assurance.
In addition, the BMW i3 remains easy to control even when approaching the limits. Precise control of the electric motors enables the smoothest stopping process in the history of the BMW 3 Series, without jerks and brake noise. The exceptional stability that the Heart of Joy provides, even on slippery surfaces like those found in Arjeplog, also improves efficiency. The precise control processes of the Heart of Joy allow the BMW i3 to recuperate energy as often and as intensely as possible, even when cornering, without compromising driving stability.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive is the second Neue Klasse model with production starting in the second half of 2026.
