A new era of infotainment

CES 2025 in Las Vegas kicked off with a bang as BMW unveiled its new iDrive infotainment system concept that will be introduced across all of its new models by the end of the year. The first implementation of the new system is likely to be seen in the Neue Class X Electric SUV.

The system has been developed using real usage data from a pool of 22 million vehicles, with the addition of studies conducted in BMW’s usability labs in which 3,000 customers were involved. Driving purists may shudder at the lack of physical buttons, although the new system certainly, on the surface, looks the business.

Key elements of the new BMW display

Panoramic Vision

This display stretches across the entire width of the windscreen, with the most important information fixed directly in the driver’s line of sight above the steering wheel. In left hand drive models, content in the central and right hand areas of the Panoramic Vision can be personalised to suit the driver. There are six information sections: two in front of the driver, two in the centre and two on the right.

3D Head-Up Display

This optional feature is projected above the driver’s section of the Panoramic Vision and shows integrated navigation and automated driving information at the bottom of the windscreen, directly in the driver’s field of vision.

Central Display

This large Tesla style touchscreen is slanted towards the driver for ease of use. It has QuickSelect functions, as well as BMW’s latest operating system, OS X. Selected content can be carried over to the Panoramic Vision with a swipe on the central display and voice control is also available.

Multifunction Steering Wheel

BMW’s aim is for the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel as much as possible, with it providing primary physical control. Relevant buttons are lit up to highlight available functions and are easy to locate so the driver can press them without taking their eyes off of the road.

Driver assistance functions are positioned on the left side of the steering wheel, while content controlling functions are housed on the right.

For an example of how the new cockpit design comes into its own, all elements combine when en route to a chosen destination. Start by entering your destination via touch control or voice command. Route guidance alerts pop up in front of you on the 3D Head-Up Display, while the Panoramic Vision houses further information on roads and junctions. Meanwhile, the central display shows the whole map overview for a bigger picture of your route.

BMW Operating System X

The new BMW Operating System X is an updated version of the System 9 used in recent BMW models, all developed in-house. Offering greater capability than its predecessor, it is fit for the future and backwards compatible, allowing use of third party apps from the previous infotainment generation. BMW says System X offers more than the 60 apps available on System 9 and will continue to grow with Zoom coming at a later date. CarPlay is still available to those who want to stick a familiar system.

HypersonX sound system

The cherry on the cake comes in the form of BMW’s new HypersonX sound system which will feature in all Neue Klasse models. The work of BMW Group Sound Design Studio is made up of 43 sound signals and special driving sounds which adapt to the driving situation, apparently “creating an emotional interaction between the driver and their BMW.”

words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: BMW