Hans Zimmer is composing the sound for BMW’s electric vehicles

German musician and composer Hans Florian Zimmer, known worldwide for creating the soundtracks for films like Inception and Interstellar, is collaborating with the BMW in developing a special sound for the brand’s next electric model.

Zimmer is working on a series of car sounds that one will hear for the first time at the launch of the BMW i4 electric model in 2021. It is a series of mini soundtracks that could be heard from the car at low speeds, or in various moments, such as when stopping or when the car is connected to the loading gates.

BMW came up with the idea to inject some sound to its electric cars because EVs are generally silent at low speeds. Electric vehicles are considered more dangerous for pedestrians, who do not hear them and can be a potential reason for accidents. BMW decided to take it to a different level by hiring Hans Zimmer to create a series of sounds to give a distinct character to its electric fleet.

BMW and Zimmer have been working together for a while now – ever since the Munich-based carmaker showcased the Vision M NEXT concept in 2019. Now, Zimmer will develop the exhaust sound for the BMW i4 – its M branded variant – as well as the iX crossover. The i4 and the iX crossover have already been showcased and are expected to be launched in the global market later this year.

Speaking about his work developing sounds for the electrified M cars, Hans Zimmer said, ‘Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes. So, for the electrically driven BMW M models, we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.’

BMW claims that customers of their electric vehicle range will be able to experience the Sheer Driving Pleasure in all its true senses. The sound of the car will be directly in sync with every movement of the accelerator.

Zimmer says the sound ensures their performance can be “felt with even greater intensity.” Electrified BMW M vehicles will have onboard driving modes selectable with the press of a button with the sound produced by the vehicle taking cues from the driving situation. Ongoing expansion of the range of sounds for electric vehicles. BMW IconicSounds Electric enriches electric mobility with a fascinating and unmistakable sonic experience.