BMW Reveals More Details on the New iDrive 8.5 Infotainment OS

BMW has revealed further details on the upcoming BMW iDrive 8.5 infotainment operating system (OS). Entering the final few stages of its development, the new iDrive 8.5 is poised to be launched on the new BMW X1, iX1 EV and the 2 Series models.

Based on Google’s Android Open Source Project software, the iDrive 8.5 will be the ninth generation of the Bavarian marque’s infotainment, bringing in brand-new home screen design that features flat menu structures for a simpler and cleaner interface look. BMW has opted for the “zero-layer” approach in designing this new interface, sporting few interchangeable permanent display icons for quicker access to the functions.

This flat menu structure is the exact opposite of the more traditional nested menu style, where the former is much easier to navigate around, providing a less steep learning curve for new BMW owners to master. With QuickAccess icons laid out on its main menu screen, drivers can just select the desired functions without having to scroll through the menu, which can distract them from focusing on their driving in the first place.

Commenting further on this new iDrive 8.5 OS, Stephan Durach, senior VP of 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 humans and cars to interact with one another and exchange information.”

This iDrive 8.5 system will also come with more Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and provides better info on the EV charging locations for the electrified models. This new OS will eventually make its way into all midsize, executive and luxury model ranges from BMW, with the X1, iX1 and the 2 Series models being the first few models to come with it to boot.

With the BMW iDrive 8.5 OS now up and running, this new software will also act as a base for the current development of the next-gen BMW OS 9, which will also be designed around the BMW Curved Display.