At CES 2025, BMW unveiled its vision for the future of in-car user experience and driving dynamics with the introduction of the new BMW iDrive, featuring the centrepiece BMW Panoramic Vision and powered by the innovative BMW Operating System X. This comprehensive system, characterised by its modern design and intuitive operation, will be integrated into all new BMW models starting from late 2025.
A Legacy of Innovation in Operating Concepts:
Frank Weber, BMW AG’s Board Member responsible for Development, emphasized that the new BMW Panoramic iDrive is the culmination of a quarter-century of pioneering work and technological leadership in operating concepts. He highlighted the new BMW Operating System X as the core of this advancement, significantly enhancing BMW’s already renowned infotainment systems and establishing a new industry benchmark for multimodal interaction.
Four Pillars of Driver-Focused Design:
The new BMW iDrive is built upon four key elements, all converging on the goal of consistent driver focus:
- BMW Panoramic Vision: This innovative Head-Up Display projects information across the entire width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar, making it visible to all occupants. Crucial driving information is positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight on the left, while the central and right areas of the display are customizable via the central display. This creates a 3D visual effect for both the driver and passengers.
- BMW 3D Head-Up Display (Optional): This optional display, positioned above the BMW Panoramic Vision, provides integrated navigation and automated driving information directly in the driver’s field of view. It works with the Panoramic Vision to present information in a coordinated and intuitive manner. The innovative nature of these dual Head-Up Display technologies is evidenced by several patent applications from the BMW Group.
- Central Display with Matrix Backlight Technology: The familiar BMW menu structure with QuickSelect has been updated for optimal touch control on the central display. Its ergonomic positioning near the steering wheel and free-cut design enhance usability. Users can easily transfer selected content (widgets) to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a simple swipe, with support for up to six customisable widgets.
- New Multifunction Steering Wheel: BMW’s “shy-tech” approach is implemented in the new steering wheel, with illuminated buttons that highlight available functions. The steering wheel is the primary physical control interface, offering haptic feedback for precise and intuitive operation. The buttons’ textured surface allows drivers to locate and press them without diverting their attention from the road. The button layout adheres to BMW’s established design, placing driver assistance functions on the left and content control functions on the right.
This combination of elements redefines BMW’s “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” philosophy, setting a new standard for driver focus, intuitive operation, and ergonomic design. The BMW Panoramic iDrive provides the right information at the right time and place, maintaining the optimal balance between analogue and digital controls through switches, buttons, touch, and voice commands. Physical controls are retained for essential functions like wipers, indicators, mirrors, volume, gear selection, and window de-icers, while other functions are optimised for touch, voice, or steering wheel control.
Data-Driven Development and Enhanced Personalization:
The development process of the BMW Panoramic iDrive was informed by extensive data analysis from over 22 million connected BMW vehicles and numerous usability studies involving around 3,000 customers. This data-driven approach ensures that the system is designed based on real-world usage patterns and user preferences. The system also offers expanded personalization options, allowing drivers to customize the Panoramic Vision displays, adjust driving attributes in “Personal” My Mode, and personalize the central display background and ambient lighting.
BMW Operating System X: The Intelligent Foundation:
The new BMW Operating System X is a significant update to the existing system and is developed entirely in-house by BMW. Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack, it offers enhanced update and upgrade capabilities, ensuring future compatibility and supporting new features.
The expanded intelligence of Operating System X enables seamless integration between the various display and control elements, creating a unified user experience. For instance, incoming calls are displayed on the Panoramic Vision with a corresponding illuminated steering wheel button for easy call management. Navigation alerts are shown on the 3D Head-Up Display with supplementary information on the Panoramic Vision and a map overview on the central display.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also significantly enhanced, incorporating Large Language Models (LLM) for more natural language understanding, especially for navigation commands. The system also offers proactive suggestions based on user behaviour, learning from driver interactions to provide relevant assistance. Third-party app integration is maintained and expanded through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
The BMW Panoramic iDrive is designed to be scalable and will be integrated into all new BMW models across all segments and drive system technologies from late 2025. It prioritizes the driving experience, ensuring driver comfort and control through an intuitive and adaptive user interface. The system creates a holistic experience through a harmonious combination of sound, light, and innovative design, aiming to make every journey a special connection between the driver and their BMW. The new HypersonX sound experience, developed for Neue Klasse models, further enhances this experience with a multi-dimensional sound spectrum that adapts to the driving situation.
