HTC's Vive virtual reality headset is helping BMW to design cars, allowing the German automaker to test features and situations without the need to build prototypes. The $800 price tag makes the VR device affordable for the company with $208 billion in assets (2015), and ends the need to use high-cost special facilities. Auto designers can now use a simulated city to test various driving situations for the driver behind the wheel such as road visibility and dashboard controls.   

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  BMW also reports that the VR headsets will also cut travel expenses. Global developers can just strap on a Vive headset to participate in decision-making from their own office, instead of flying to the other side of the world.

Developers wear the HTC Vive to take a "ride" in a machine that recreates the experience of riding in the front seat of a BMW vehicle. The simulated drive puts the Vive user in different situations. They include testing if drivers or passengers can read the dashboard clock or easily reach stereo dials.

BMW reports that the prototypes will only be built after the 3D headsets are used to create draft designs, according to PC Mag. BMW's VR gadgets also run Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 that the company claims provides a uniquely realistic experience.

BMW's car prop and HTC Vive creates a mixed-reality experience that includes realistic sound such as engine noise, according Engadget. The company also has plans to add more VR hardware to developer workstations.

Other car makers are using augmented reality (AR) to help sell cars.  Volvo is using Microsoft's HoloLens headset to let car buyers see different car models in showrooms. Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler uses Google's Project Tango tech for the same application.

In related news, HTC Vive demos are only available at three Microsoft stores including New York City. However, the OS giant plans to expand the program to several other stores in the United States, and one in Sydney, Australia. In addition, GameStop will start Vive demos across the US on April 18.   

After trying out HTC's new VR gadget people can also order one of the $800 devices at the demo stores starting in June.

Here's a HTC Vive review: