BMW 4 Series And M4 Will Get iDrive 8 With Curved Displays

BMW revealed plans to upgrade a new infotainment system for the 4 Series family - high performance M4 sportscar model included. The highlight here are BMW's iDrive 8 infotainment system which will be included as standard equipment in every 4 Series model.

Additionally, both the M4 and 4 Series will become the latest Beemers to receive the brand’s latest Curved Display (a dual screen dashboard design) as seen in the recently refreshed BMW 3 series LCI G20 introduced in last year - and locally earlier this month. This comes despite the fact that this year's spring update is only a minor one.

This configuration consists of a 14.9-inch infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A new welcome sound that plays when the driver's door or front passenger door is opened complements the tech upgrade. Also, the i4 will receive the same sound boost.

Further details reveal the adoption of new gear selector assembly, steering-mounted paddle-shifters, and standard Shadowline side window trim which was added to the 4 Series lineup.

On the hood and bonnet, the M4 can be ordered with a M graphic and an instrument panel covered in Sensatec. Owners of the M4 and 4-Series will also have access to a new Aluminum Rhombicle anthracite trim option.

In addition to new interior personalization options, the new 7 Series will receive exclusive new exterior colour options. BMW's newest headlight technology, the Iconic Glow headlights will be integrated into the X7 as well. 

Other than that, extended functionality for the so-called Parking Assistant Professional feature will also be new starting in the spring of 2023. This technology now enables remote parking manoeuvres via the My BMW App in the new 7 Series, X7, and iX.

Drivers now have access to control the feature from outside the car and keep an eye on it with their smartphone while being six metres away from the car. What's more intriguing is that the system can document up to ten parking manoeuvres, each covering a distance of up to 200 metres, at various locations.

The iX, on the other hand, has an improved predictive heat management system for the battery pack. It appears to use some of the i7's technology, and according to BMW, owners will be able to manually start pre-warming for the best charging experience at DC fast chargers.

Adding on to that, the iX, i7 xDrive60, and iX1 xDrive30 are three examples of EV models that support 22 kW AC charging. A new mode 3 charging cable Professional will also be included with these models. According to the company, it improves charging efficiency and speed.

Android users will also receive some love from BMW, as smartphones with ultra-wideband technology will support automatic unlocking when in front of the car. Additionally, shared keys can be activated more quickly inside the car.

Last but not least, BMW said Operating System 9 will be released later this year. Starting in the second quarter, the OS will be available on X1 models in the UK as part of an initial pilot programme.

Additional compact-class models will follow suit in other countries over the course of 2023 according to BMW, as OS 9 opens the door to an extended range of apps, optimised touch control, and more frequent updates.