This is what the BMW electric car of the future sounds like.

The sound produced by the engine is one of the most emotional aspects of driving a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

In addition, the harder the engine is running, the louder it sounds, allowing the driver to realize how hard they are pushing the vehicle without taking their eyes off the road. This is also important for pedestrians and cyclists in terms of early detection of oncoming traffic.

With electric vehicles, these benefits are largely negated. For this reason, some automakers are attempting to create a characteristic sound that future electric vehicles will produce; in the case of BMW, they have enlisted the help of Hans Zimmer, a well-known composer of film music.

The Oscar-winning composer worked with BMW sound engineer Renzo Vitale to develop the new sound, which was demonstrated in the Concept i4 unveiled last week. The sleek, fastback-shaped sedan concept previews the electric i4 model, due in 2021. It will replace the 4 Series Gran Coupe in the revamped 4 Series family.

"Renzo and I were inspired by the idea of bridging BMW's past and future with the sound of the BMW Concept i4. We hope that the sound we created will be classic yet surprising and evoke a sense of lightness befitting the BMW brand."

This sound will change depending on the different driving modes offered by future BMW electric cars. Zimmer was also involved in creating the sound when starting the car and opening the doors.

BMW's next electric vehicle will be the X3-based iX3, which will be unveiled later this year. The iNext midsize SUV is due around mid-2021, and the i4 is due around the end of 2021.

BMW has not said which of its upcoming EVs will be the first to feature the new sound.