The BMW Group has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) at the Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich. This state-of-the-art facility houses the world’s largest and quietest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, alongside a high-tech workshop dedicated to developing future electric mobility solutions.
Replacing BMW’s previous wind tunnel after nearly 40 years, the AEC represents a major leap in vehicle development, particularly for premium electric models. “Quiet is premium,” said Daniel Böttger, Head of Complete Vehicle Development at BMW AG. “This new facility will drive unparalleled advances in aeroacoustics and deliver the refinement our customers expect.”
Revolutionary Aeroacoustics Research
The AEC’s centerpiece is its acoustic wind tunnel, designed to set new global standards. With a length of nearly 100 meters, a height of 45 meters, and a width of 25 meters, the tunnel achieves an industry-first background noise level of just 54.3 dB(A) at 140 km/h—equivalent to a quiet conversation.
Equipped with advanced technology like a 216-microphone acoustic camera and a laser vibrometry system, the wind tunnel enables precise localization of vehicle noise sources to within one centimeter. A full-scale acoustic all-wheel-drive roller dynamometer facilitates detailed analyses of wind and rolling noises, while its semi-free-field design ensures accurate real-world simulations.
Capable of reaching wind speeds of up to 250 km/h, the facility can accommodate even the largest BMW models, such as the X7 and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Pioneering Electric Mobility Prototypes
The second section of the AEC focuses on developing electric mobility solutions, including high-voltage batteries and inverters. Spread over 15,000 m², the workshop features prototype assembly lines for future battery technology. Additionally, an 800 m² cleanroom area is dedicated to manufacturing inverters, critical components that convert battery power into the alternating current needed for electric motors.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the multifunctional spaces can be reconfigured to meet evolving technological demands, ensuring BMW remains at the forefront of innovation.
Sustainable and Efficient Construction
The AEC’s dual-building design leverages an upright structure to optimize land use, with a 3-meter-thick sound-insulated floor slab ensuring acoustic separation. Lean construction techniques and close collaboration with the City of Munich enabled the project’s swift and cost-effective completion without interrupting ongoing development activities.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management, emphasized the facility’s role in shaping future mobility. “The AEC is a structural milestone, merging cutting-edge construction with BMW’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
By combining advanced aeroacoustics research with next-generation electric mobility development, BMW’s new AEC sets a benchmark for the automotive industry, paving the way for quieter, more efficient vehicles of the future.
