Munich - The BMW Group has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing the driving experience with its groundbreaking BMW M Mixed Reality technology. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) technologies, this innovation blurs the lines between the physical and digital realms, transforming vehicles into dynamic controllers for an unparalleled interaction between drivers, their cars, and the surrounding environment.

This innovative "mixed reality" merges the real world with the digital, creating an immersive driving experience that first captured attention at the prestigious Web Summit in Lisbon in November 2022. Since then, BMW has been tirelessly refining this pioneering technology, making it available for fans and early adopters.

Unveiling the First-ever Multisensory Multiplayer Experience

Imagine stepping into the BMW M Garage on a secret mission, then racing up to the stunning BMW M Rooftop Circuit amidst towering skyscrapers. In an exhilarating multiplayer mode, two players can now virtually challenge each other while spectators, represented by their personalized avatars, enjoy the race live from the BMW M Mixed Reality Bridge, all without needing to be physically present. This remarkable feature connects users through devices like Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro, unlocking a new frontier for virtual interaction.

The debut of BMW M Mixed Reality is set to make waves once again at the upcoming Lisbon event this year, while the single-player experience has already been accessible since autumn 2023 at the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, a groundbreaking facility for automotive enthusiasts. Additionally, the pilot project commenced earlier this year at the BMW M Performance Driving School in California, USA.

Merging Reality with the Virtual World

The newly designed BMW M Mixed Reality Rooftop Circuit offers thrilling challenges where drivers must navigate virtual obstacles and collect BMW M coins in a dazzling digital cityscape. Utilizing the high-performance BMW M135 vehicles, this mixed reality experience leverages precise GPS technology, guaranteeing a real-time transfer of the vehicle's movements into the virtual environment. Drivers will feel every acceleration, turn, and brake precisely mirrored in the digital realm thanks to advanced sensor technology.

This sophisticated technology is seamlessly integrated into all BMW and BMW M models, with no need for additional sensors. The VR headset worn by the driver plays a crucial role in this experience, ensuring real-time synchronization of movements and data with the vehicle’s internal systems. This innovative setup caters to a wide range of BMW M models, from combustion engines like the BMW M2 and M4 to electric vehicles such as the BMW i5 M60. The future could see the addition of the new BMW M5 joining this immersive driving experience.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Driving

BMW M Mixed Reality is not just a fleeting trend but a preview of what the automotive sector's future may hold. Presently, it provides drivers with perfect controllability across various driving scenarios and promises to one day include thrilling drifting experiences—though a timeline for this feature remains undisclosed.

Moreover, this advanced technology isn't just limited to the BMW brand; MINI is also set to benefit from the BMW Group's Mixed Reality initiatives, with the intention to deliver a multi-sensory driving experience for its customers.

Additional potential applications in vehicle development and professional driver training are under exploration. Future innovations may enable instructors to display crucial content, like optimal racing lines and braking points, on existing tracks, offering drivers insightful training without compromising their safety.

As the automotive industry continues to embrace digitalization, BMW's commitment to innovation shines through. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as they prepare to redefine driving, merging exhilarating experiences with stunning virtual realities!