Frank van Meel has publicly praised innovations by competitors such as Hyundai for their focus on keeping driver enjoyment alive in EVs. "I like they way they think – that’s the way we think as well," Meel said in an interview with Top Gear, reflecting on Hyundai's approach which includes a synthetic eight-speed transmission designed to provide an engaging experience similar to traditional cars.
Addressing why there is a need for such enhancements in EVs, van Meel emphasized the importance of auditory and tactile feedback for drivers. He argued that without such inputs, EVs could feel detached and less thrilling especially at higher speeds common in racing scenarios. "In a pure EV with one gear, no sound and no emotion, you don’t know if you’re doing 125, 150 or whatever. You need a solution for that," explained van Meel.
The development of these emulated features has been underway at BMW M for some time. The aim is to forge a stronger connection between the vehicle and its driver by imitating key attributes found in performance cars fueled by conventional engines. Van Meel shared his views stating, "So I think what [Hyundai] did with gear emulation and sound – which is actually what we’re working on already – is the way to go."
The first high-performance electric sedan from BMW M will utilize the Neue Klasse platform and might offer impressive specifications like a quad-motor powertrain exceeding 1,350 PS. Such specifications suggest not only advanced engineering but also commitment to maintaining BMW’s reputable driving dynamics even in an electric future.
Source: Top Gear
