Latest Generation BMW iDrive Unveiled

The new generation of BMW iDrive is running on the new BMW Operating System 8, a combination of hardware and software. 

This system will make its first debut in the iX later this year and will also be featured in the upcoming i4. After that, it will be rolled out gradually across all the vehicle classes in BMW. 

The new BMW iDrive also comes with the new BMW ID system. This system that monitors repetitive patterns, learns from them, and then offers suggestions about how to use certain functions. It creates an unique experience between digital and analogue worlds that melts away. 

By using the new BMW iDrive, users can personalize their user experience. A PIN code can be created or associated with a particular key to prevent other vehicle users from accessing personal data. Once it is loaded, the driver will receive a personal greeting including the customized profile image in the My BMW App. 

Once the BMW ID has been activated with the associated key or by selecting the BMW ID in the vehicle, the personal settings are instantly adopted.

BMW iX has this distinctive feature: BMW Curved Display. This BMW Curved Display is a combination of the 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display that merged together into a single unit. Both of them come with high resolutions that contribute to a pixel density of 200 pixels per inch for each screen. 

The BMW Curved Display is able to simplify the process and reduce the need to fiddle around with the settings, the climate control system takes into account the number of occupants, intensity and direction of the sunlight, and the target temperature for each climate zone, adjusting itself accordingly.

BMW has created a new method of information display called “Act, Locate, Inform.” For the Act, it tells the driver what to do such as where to turn, how fast the speed limit is and even lane recommendations. For the Locate, it can locate the information such as gas stations or any other points of interest. For the Inform, it provides other information to the both driver and passenger. 

The information displayed in the driver’s central visual axis impresses both with its generously sized screen surface and its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of colour and modern colour worlds. Aside from the touchscreen, occupants can interact with the system via Touch Controller. 

Drivers have three layout types to choose from - Drive, Focus and Gallery with each accompanied by widgets according to personal preference or driving situation on hand. Drive is the centre of the information display shows the selected information, while Focus is designed for dynamic driving situations. As for Gallery, it minimises driving information and provides more space for the widget content, be it navigation or media information.

Those widgets are also found on the main touchscreen and are updated with live information accordingly. Drivers can choose what they would like to have on their home screen in whatever order and they provide direct access to vehicle functions. 

The new generation of BMW iDrive also brings BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Users can give the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant a name of their choice which they can use as a prompt. The Assistant features a sphere of light in different sizes and brightness levels. Not only these, it gives a “face” with clear visible point of focus and identifiable states of activity via gestures. 

There are a variety of vehicle functions that can be accessed with just your voice with tight integration and continuous over-the-air software updates that ensure near features become available. 

Beyond these features, the new iDrive also comes with My Modes which are Efficient, Sport and Personal. The initial version of My Modes will have ten different parameters in the vehicle. These parameters include the previous driving experience mode functions, such as drive system and transmission control, steering characteristics and chassis settings. These enhancements will be imported into vehicles via over-the-air updates.

There are “Great Entrance Moments” that take advantage of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology to welcome drivers as they approach their vehicle. As BMW explains, when a driver is within three metres of the car, the exterior lights play a dynamic lighting effect and a soft, subdued light comes on in the cabin, accompanied by a light carpet showing the way to the driver’s door and illuminated door/boot lid handles. 

Also, the vehicle unlocks no matter whether the driver carries a UWB key or a smartphone with BMW Digital Key Plus once the driver moves within 1.5 metres. Upon opening the door, the seat’s entry assistance feature and comfort settings come into play, with a welcome animation displayed on the curved screen. The goal here is to provide a pleasant user experience from the point when the driver first approaches the vehicle until the journey commences.

Other upgrades also inclusive of an improved BMW Maps with one of key functions is “Learning Navigation”. It is a basic learning and anticipating for the driver to head to the next destination. There are important services like parking and charging are also integrated into the cloud-based system and making the driver easier to locate.

Lastly, BMW iDrive ensures full integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures the functions work well with the relevant displays, and third-party apps can also be added on in the future. For China, BMW Operating System 8 enables extensive integration of the Alibaba and Tencent services for customers there.