BMW's Electric M3 Has Simulated Engine Sounds. Here's What BMW Used

"BMW reveals that it recorded engine sounds from three iconic M cars to give the electric M3 character and a sense of connection. The cars sampled were the E63 M6, F82 M4 and the E90 M3. The prototype in the new video sounds different from what we heard before, suggesting it could feature several switchable engine sounds. Even when an electric vehicle is quick, the lack of engine sound can dull the sense of occasion. That's why many performance-oriented EVs now feature synthesized acceleration sounds."

"Most of them are futuristic spaceship noises, but some, like the upcoming electric BMW M3, sample real engines for extra authenticity. In an earlier video published by BMW's Motorsport division, we hear what an electric M3 prototype sounded like inside the cabin. The sound was clearly a turbocharged inline-six, which we now know is the S55 from a previous-generation M4, as revealed in a video published yesterday."

"The video also shows BMW-recorded sounds from an E90 M3, with its glorious-sounding S65 naturally aspirated V8 engine, and an E63 M6, whose V10 engine has an unmistakable bark. They show another interior clip of an electric M3 prototype accelerating, and this one doesn't sound like the one in the aforementioned videoit sounds more like the M6's V10, which suggests the electric M3 will allow you to choose from multiple real BMW M engine sounds."

BMW recorded engine sounds from three M cars — the E63 M6 (V10), the F82 M4 (S55 turbo inline-six) and the E90 M3 (S65 naturally aspirated V8) — to give the electric M3 character and a sense of connection. Prototype interior clips show differing sounds: one clearly a turbocharged inline-six and another resembling the M6's V10, indicating the electric M3 may offer multiple selectable, real-engine sound profiles. Performance EVs often use synthesized acceleration sounds; BMW's approach samples actual engines and includes simulated gear shifts to mimic combustion-car involvement. Artificial engine audio remains divisive among drivers.

Read at insideevs.com