Electric vehicles are rapidly evolving, and with them, the technology that enhances the driving experience. BMW, initially skeptical of simulated gear changes in EVs, is now embracing the concept. What was once considered a “funny gimmick” by BMW when Hyundai introduced it in the Ioniq 5 N is now being developed by the German automaker for its own vehicles.
BMW plans to introduce this technology in the i3 M60 xDrive next year, offering a novel feature to make driving more engaging. Instead of using the term “gears,” BMW calls these simulated shifts “Stages.” This feature was hinted at when BMW released images of the i3 M60 showing red-accented shift paddles behind the steering wheel. For more details on the i3 M60, visit this link.
2027 BMW i3 M60
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2027 BMW i3 M60 with paddle shifters
Photo by: BMW
Simulated Gears: An Evolution in Driving Dynamics
During an interview with Australian publication Carsales, Christian Heiss, BMW’s senior driving dynamics engineer, explained the company’s initial skepticism. He remarked, “We’d seen it before – for example, the Hyundai. We at BMW thought: well, that’s a funny gimmick. We’re in an electric world; why copy things out of the combustion engine?”
‘From the driving dynamics side, we pointed out that there are some advantages to having this kind of paddle shift, in terms of drivability and feedback from the car. It’s an improvement on certain kinds of drives, and especially on track.’
BMW now believes simulated gear changes aid drivers in better assessing their speed when approaching corners, a feature highlighted by BMW M head of development Alexander Karajlovic. Unlike Hyundai’s system, BMW’s approach will not limit torque based on the gear stage, ensuring performance remains uncompromised. Learn more about BMW’s milestone in M models here.
![<p><em>2027 BMW i3 M60</em></p>
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<p>Photo by: BMW</p>
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<h2>Testing Leads to Innovation</h2>
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<p>BMW assessed the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and other EVs to determine effective features and areas for improvement. This analysis led to BMW’s unique approach to simulated gear shifts, distinct from Hyundai’s N e-Shift system. Heiss noted, “We’ve ended up with something close to a gearbox simulation, but we don’t call it a gearbox simulation. It’s thought [out] a bit differently, but everyone hoping for a gear shift simulation will be happy with this – hopefully even more than happy.”</p>
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<p>The i3 M60 will feature an artificial soundtrack and significant power, boasting 603 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. These specs suggest a quicker acceleration and potentially better range than the iX3 M60, rated at 468 miles (754 kilometers) by WLTP standards.</p>
<h2>Exclusive to M Performance Models</h2>
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<p>This simulated shifting will be exclusive to BMW’s M Performance models, starting with the M60. It’s anticipated that the electric M3 will also adopt this feature when it launches in 2027 with a quad-motor setup. This move aligns with trends seen in other brands, such as Porsche and Mercedes-AMG, who offer similar features in their EVs.</p>
<p>For those interested in the interplay of traditional driving dynamics with modern EV innovations, BMW’s approach to simulated gear changes offers a compelling glimpse into the future of electric driving.</p>
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