Today at CES, a consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, BMW debuted a new version of its iDrive driver information system. The technology combines four areas of the drive experience to turn your new BMW into a mobile digital command center.
The new technology was developed using insights from the 22 million connected BMW vehicles on roadways in combination with feedback from 3,000 BMW customers.
BMW iDrive consists of four elements: BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the central display and a multifunction steering wheel.
BMW Panoramic Vision utilizes the space from A-pillar to A-pillar at the junction of the dashboard and windscreen to project content into a black-colored area. The content is able to be seen by all occupants with content areas geared toward where they are most helpful with relevant information in front of the driver and passengers primarily seeing other content.
The 3D effect of BMW Panoramic Vision is different than what is in the other vehicles advertising wide displays. For example, the Lincoln Nautilus has a pillar-to-pillar screen that showcases basic information for customers. BMW advances that type of technology by eliminating the screen.
Panoramic Vision is not replacing a vehicle's head-up display. The new BMW 3D Head-Up Display sits above the information band with the two areas displaying technology in a complementary, coordinated way.
The company's new central display is positioned close to the driver and features select widgets that can be arranged on the Panoramic Vision space by simply swiping. Up to six widgets fit in the Panoramic Vision band. Other widgets can only be viewed on the central display.
BMW has redesigned its multifunction steering wheel as part of its technology innovations. Buttons provide haptic feedback with relevant buttons illuminated as a driver goes about their day. Driver assistance controls are located on the left while content-controlling buttons are on the right.
BMW has retained some buttons for easy access to daily use equipment like windshield wipers, turn signals, exterior mirrors, audio system volume control, gear selector and windshield de-iced. Voice controls are available for some functionalities.
Why It Matters
Automakers are pushing into the future with software defining some of the most premium aspects of their new cars, trucks and SUVs. Luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are leading the charge. While augmented reality has paved the way for future innovations, BMW's projection technology (that does not require screens) is a new approach.
What To Know
BMW's Neue Klasse next-generation vehicles will be defined by software, design and power evolutions meant to change the course of the company pushing it full steam ahead into the electrified future. The first Neue Klasse vehicles are expected to be revealed soon and hit the market in the second half of the decade.
BMW's Operating System X is next-generation of software that runs the driver information and infotainment in the company's vehicles. It is based on Android Auto's software stack, like many systems from companies like Volvo and Jeep, among others. The software, which is more highly customizable than previous versions of BMW operating systems, is backwards compatible.
What Happens Next
BMW Panoramic Drive will be installed in all new BMW models from the end of 2025.
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