In November of 1998, BMW opened the BMW Group Technology Office USA in Palo Alto. The German automaker recognized the frenetic pace of advanced technology occurring in Silicon Valley, and wanted to incorporate that energy into its development of BMW luxury and performance vehicles. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that decision, though the office has since moved from Palo Alto to Mountain View, and is now joined by similar technology hubs in Munich, Seoul, Shanghai, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo.

A recent tour of the facilities gave us an opportunity to see the wide spectrum of products and projects being managed at this location. With several “Google”-badged buildings located only a few hundred yards from BMW’s location there’s no denying the high-tech neighborhood. Claus Dorrer, VP, BMW Group Technology Office USA, emphasized this point. “Our team from diverse backgrounds takes great inspiration from living and working in the heart of Silicon Valley, in close proximity to where so many of our partners are based, and technology trends are born.”

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Our time at the BMW Group Technology Office USA provided first-hand exposure to advanced products that have recently entered the market or are due to arrive soon. Here are 10 tech toys BMW shared with us during our visit:

1. Spike, Mini’s New Personal Assistant: First announced in April, “Spike” is considered the “essence of the Mini brand” and will offer the latest in voice recognition capabilities, along with a personality that’s more like “a pal you’re riding around with, as opposed to someone you’re just dictating commands to.” Spike arrives in the U.S. in early 2024, and he’ll keep evolving as the technology evolves, post launch.

2. BMW ConnectedRide Smartglasses: Unlike some, ahem, “smart glasses” of the past, the ConnectedRide Smartglasses offer a stylish look, along with real-time info on speed, motorcycle gear, and navigation guidance projected on the back of the lens. The display can easily be switched off and is controlled through the BMW Motorrad Connected app. How cool are these glasses? Cool enough that they are sold out and on backorder, so get on the list for a pair now.

3. Intelligent Dynamic Scent: While not yet ready for production, this technology offers a range of scents released into the car’s cabin based on occupant needs at the time of release. These can range from soothing aromas to energizing fragrances, and can be combined with exposure to color on a display screen to enhance the effect (did you know the color you’re looking at can influence your sense of smell?). A near infinite number of aromas are possible by combining 12 base scents.

4. Solid State EV Batteries: This is an example of BMW’s i Ventures division, which is meant to identify and engage companies early-stage technology companies working on next-generation tech. In this instance, BMW invested in a company developing solid-state batteries. Called Solid Power, these batteries use next-generation materials that offer increased power density and faster charging in a smaller, lighter package. These batteries should see production in the next decade.

5. Our Next Energy (ONE) Battery Tech: If nearly all car trips are less than 150 miles, but occasionally drivers need to go 600 miles, could someone design a single battery pack for both use cases? That’s exactly what Our Next Energy (ONE) did, with BMW collaborating as yet another i Venture project. In this example, a single battery, dubbed “Gemini”, uses a dual chemistry architecture to allow for frequent and rapid short-range charging as well as over 600 miles of range when needed.

6. M Mixed Reality: Driving a BMW M4 while wearing a VR headset sounds like the ultimate driver distraction machine. But in a large, open parking lot we did just that, while navigating a virtual race track that kept us away from parking lot poles. Feeling the performance coupe accelerate, brake, and turn while the movements were reflected in the VR world was even cooler (and stranger) than you think it was. But it’s an experience everyone should try (under controlled conditions, of course).

7. Mixed Reality Meta Quest Driving Experience: If driving with a VR headset sounds too bizarre, how about using a Meta Quest AR (augmented reality) headset as a passenger? Offering everything from games to a soothing meditation setting, this technology makes being a passenger far more fun (and relaxing) than driving. The trick is to keep the augmented reality elements of what you’re seeing stable even as the car’s movement causes your head to move — which BMW accomplished.

8. 3-Dimensional Touchscreen Display: Flat touchscreen displays are so 2015. It’s time for more creative contours when interacting with your infotainment system, and BMW is looking into it. Called a 3-dimensional display, the working prototype we saw featured a raised, rounded shape with a flat circle surrounded by contours. Think of it as a really advanced volume knob cable of controlling any vehicle feature while feeling more intuitive than the flat surfaces we’ve been pawing for years.

9. Dynamic Interior Light: Imagine a control switch that’s — literally — in the palm of your hand. That’s what BMW’s Dynamic Interior Light technology offers. Similar to the puddle lights seen on many of today’s premium vehicles, this tech can broadcast a control “switch” anywhere, including your hand. The “dynamic” part comes when that virtual “switch” is connected to the vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing you to control settings through simple hand movements.

10. BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept: Last but not least, BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse (”new class”) concept car made its North American debut in Mountain View last week. The Vision Neue Klasse offers a glimpse at the next generation of BMW sedans coming to showrooms in 2025. Among its features is BMW’s Panoramic Vision, a head-up display that sits above, and spans, the dash from A-pillar to A-pillar. This tech combines with BMW’s 3D head-up display for more immediate driving information like navigation guidance.