BMW has announced that it has reached the latest stage of development with its iDrive system, a control and operating system that has been present in BMW cars since 2001. The new version of the system features a redesigned home screen with clearly arranged functions that offers greater ease of use on the BMW Curved Display. The system’s QuickSelect concept brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices. The new BMW iDrive plays a unique role in delivering a focused, assured driving experience by showing the right information in the right place. The new BMW iDrive system will be gradually introduced in current models over the course of 2023.
Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President BMW Group Connected Company Development, said, “Today, BMW iDrive is more than just a control and operating system – it’s a digital world of experience allowing human and car to interact with one another and exchange information. As we said at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2023, we are continuously enhancing the associated user experience based on the latest available technology.”
The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is a further development of the BMW Operating System 8 fitted in current BMW models with BMW Curved Display and is based on the latest-generation infotainment head units, which is also responsible for graphic processing. The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be gradually introduced in all midsize, executive, and luxury model ranges from BMW. It will continue to be based on Linux and will be combined with the largest version of the BMW Curved Display. The digital experience on the specific BMW Curved Display of the compact-class models with the new BMW Operating System 9, based on Android Open Source Project software, is being developed.
The new home screen shows functions on a single level and enables rapid access. The next-generation BMW iDrive turns the home screen on the BMW Curved Display into a permanently viewable user interface. Other individually configurable graphics can also be displayed here at all times as an alternative to the navigation system’s map view. The new zero-layer principle means that all relevant functions and information are shown on a single level, making it possible to select a desired function without having to enter a submenu first. Instead, live widgets appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface. These function icons can be selected with a swipe of the finger and also configured individually.
The QuickSelect functionality makes it possible to directly select entertainment programs, contact lists, and vehicle settings, start interaction with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or activate other menu options, all by touch. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is all it takes to return to the home screen.
The operating concept for the new BMW iDrive aligns with user habits established with today’s consumer electronics devices. The new, flat menu structure makes activating functions and settings much faster and simpler. At the same time, the system goes a long way towards enriching the driving experience in a BMW. The digital content is – just like the hardware, in the form of the BMW Curved Display – designed to enhance the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. BMW iDrive provides the right information in the right place and at the right time.
To ensure intuitive interaction while driving, the graphical interface and menu structure feature a layout developed by BMW Group Design that is both consistent and characteristic of the brand. As a result, customers can enjoy a signature BMW user experience at all times.
BMW Operating System 8.5 compatibility by model and start of production:
BMW 7 Series; BMW iX, BMW i4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM gradually from July 2023; further models to follow, subject to change.
BMW Operating System 9 compatibility by model and start of production:
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer from November 2023; BMW X1 from November 2023; further models to follow, subject to change.
