Not just vroomier: Hollywood composer of 'Rain Man' scores big sound for BMW concept car

BMW has unveiled Vision M NEXT, a concept sports car with an electric drivetrain, artificial noise and autonomous capability that signals the German luxury brand's vision for future technology.

“The BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW Group Design, in a statement. 

The concept vehicle goes 0 to 62 mph in three seconds with a 600-horsepower engine. Top speed: 186 mph.

The vehicle offers a mode that will give the driver extra engine power at the push of a button. Though electric cars can be quiet, the vehicle's engine has integrated sound created by Hans Zimmer, the composer of scores for films such as "Dunkirk" and "Rain Man," and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale. When the engine starts, a swelling, cinematic sound plays. 

Other automakers have also added sounds to electric cars for safety reasons, to enable nearby pedestrians to hear them coming. European Union regulators have required all carmakers to add sound systems in their electric cars for safety reasons.

Other features of the vehicle include being automatically unlocked when the driver approaches, thanks to the facial recognition technology. 

In 2017, BMW said it would launch 25 "electrified" vehicles, which typically means hybrid or battery-powered vehicles, by 2023. 

Follow Frances Yue on Twitter: @FrancesYue_.