Without the roar of a combustion engine, what will driving sound like?

GQ Heroes has returned and this year, BMW brought their panel of visionaries and experts to reveal all about the principles behind their revolutionary sonic world for upcoming electric vehicles.

GQ editor Dylan Jones hosted the panel, featuring legendary composer Hans Zimmer, TV and radio broadcast DJ Edith Bowman, and Renzo Vitale, BMW Group’s Creative Director of Sound. They discussed how our experience of motion and perception of reality is shaped by what we hear, and what it means for vehicles of the future. For audiophiles and car enthusiasts, it’s an unmissable chance to discover more about an entirely new generation of BMW sounds.

GQ Heroes took place as a digital event, giving you unprecedented access to one of the world’s most exclusive cultural forums. The BMW Panel discussion is available to view on the GQ Heroes YouTube channel, alongside panels featuring the likes of Hollywood star Rami Malek and fashion icon Sir Paul Smith. Take the time to tune in and prepare to be inspired.

If you’re hungry for more, check out Hans’ and Renzo’s interview with GQ, where they discuss their innovative work for IconicSounds and how they’ve reimagined the driving experience. Their compositions have been integral to the creation of BMW concept vehicles like the Concept i4 and Vision M Next, which provide a glimpse into the future for BMW electric models. To discover more about the philosophy and technology behind IconicSounds and BMW concepts, follow the links below.

VISION M NEXT

The BMW Vision M Next concept is a progressive sports car that combines the height of BMW technology, performance engineering and innovative sound compositions from Hans Zimmer himself. This BMW concept truly sounds like it’s accelerating towards the future.

THE SOUND OF THE i4

The BMW Concept i4 is not only characterised by design, but also by its own visionary and unique sound, developed by Hans Zimmer and BMW audio engineer Renzo Vitale. It’s known as IconicSounds Electric. The sound is manifold, surprising and provides a sense of lightness and transparency, giving the driver a feeling that there are no limits of expression.