Last week, BMW already showed the VDX with black and white camouflage on the body. Now the concept has been unveiled in all its glory, without the protective film.
For the premiere in Shanghai, the concept received an innovative luminous paint. Pigments in the paint accumulate energy during the day, and in the dark the body glows with shades from white-yellow to neon yellow - depending on the level of charge. In addition, the rear of the car is covered with a special 'magic film' which, when exposed to UV light, creates a gradient from yellow to orange and pink, visually stretching from the rear to the front.
Beneath the streamlined bodywork lies a four-motor electric powertrain with a variable output of 1,300 to 1,700 hp and up to 18,000 N-m of torque.
Active aerodynamics allows downforce of up to 1.2 tonnes and lateral acceleration of up to 3 g - a level comparable to Formula 1 cars and far beyond that of conventional road cars. This extreme potential is used as a platform for testing control systems: if the electronics and software can cope under maximum stress, then even more so with everyday tasks.
The powertrain and electronic systems are controlled by the new Heart of Joy "supercomputer". BMW says the high data processing speeds and direct control of the electric motors provide increased stability, minimal interference from stabilisation systems and more precise handling. Up to 98 per cent of all braking action is now regenerative, which is 25 per cent more efficient than current architectures. In addition, braking is noticeably smoother.
Although the VDX is not intended for series production and serves solely as a development platform, its appearance demonstrates the stylistic direction of future Neue Klasse models. The monolithic bodywork, powerful wheel arches, recessed glazing and signature 'shark nose' all reflect the minimalist design that will underpin the next generation of BMW vehicles.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience will have its public premiere tomorrow at the Auto Shanghai 2025 International Motor Show.
Source: BMW