The BMW Concept i4 is not only a product of its design, but also of its sound profile. BMW Concept i4's sound was composed by no less than Oscar-winning composer Hanz-Z and sound designer Renzo Vitale under the brand name BMW IconicSounds Electric. BMW IconicSounds Electric will instill BMW's electric models with the added emotional depth with the vehicle's character. “Renzo and I were inspired to bring together the past and future of BMW with the sound for the BMW Concept i4,” explains Zimmer. “We hope the sound we created is classic yet surprising and has a feeling of lightness that is fitting for the BMW brand," he added. The aural experience of the BMW Concept i4  can range from  driving sounds in the Experience Mode “Core” to the more intense tones of “Sport”. Other acoustic accompaniments--such as when the door opens or the car starts--are also part of its soundscape.

Sound by Hanz Zimmer is the Starting Signal for Electric Driving Pleasure

Using Zimmer's Santa Monica studio, Zimmer and Vitale have created a ready-to-drive sound as standard feature for all electric BMW models and plug-in hybrids worldwide--from July 2020 onwards. “The ability to design the sound in our vehicles makes it possible for us to spark positive emotions,” says Vitale. “The new start/stop sound is intended to instill a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the customer gets into their vehicle and begins the journey.”

BMW IconicSounds Electric

The science of electric driver systems is often mentioned as a major plus when talking about electric mobility. Still, the increasing number of electrified models have made things more impersonal--including the emotional appeal of sound. “Sound has always played an important role in the emotionalization of our vehicles," said Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW. "Now we are taking the joy of sheer driving pleasure to a new level and are particularly pleased to be working with Hans Zimmer to create the new sound world of electric mobility at BMW. This collaboration will result in our forward-looking sound offering for electrified vehicles: BMW IconicSounds Electric.” This is the second sound that Hanz Zimmer developed for electric BMW vehicles. The first one was for the BMW Vision M Next at the #NEXTGen event in Munich last June 2019. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a very special experience with the help of great sounds,” Zimmer commented in 2019. “I am relishing the challenge of co-designing the composition for future electric BMWs.”

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