The next stage of development of BMW iDrive has been unveiled, consisting of a newly designed home screen with clearly laid out functions to enable ease of use on the OEM’s Curved Display. The latest system, with its QuickSelect concept, brings an improved menu structure that takes inspiration from consumer electronic devices. The new BMW iDrive will be gradually introduced in current models during 2023.
“Today, BMW iDrive is more than just a control and operating system – it’s a digital world of experience allowing human and car to interact with one another and exchange information,” said Stephan Durach, senior vice president of BMW Group Connected Company Development. “As we said at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2023, we are continuously enhancing the associated user experience based on the latest available technology.”
The updated system brings a wider array of digital content, including more information and entertainment features, shorter function update cycles, better information on charging points for electric vehicles and improved access to online services. BMW’s iDrive also benefits from a newly developed graphic interface and an optimized menu structure and can be operated using the vehicle’s touchscreen and voice control.
Designed with a zero-layer principle, all relevant functions and information are shown on a single level, without first having to enter a submenu. Now, live widgets appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface and can be selected using a finger. These widgets can also be configured individually.
Using the QuickSelect functionality, occupants can select entertainment programs, contact lists and vehicle settings, or start interaction with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Once a widget is chosen, a user can return to the home screen by tapping on the home icon at the lower edge of the display. Similar to using consumer electronics devices, the flat menu structure makes interaction with the system easier and more efficient.
The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is a development of the BMW Operating System 8 fitted in current BMW models with BMW Curved Display. It is based on the latest-generation infotainment head units, which are also responsible for graphic processing.
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced gradually in the BMW 7 Series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, beginning with July 2023 production.
The system will continue to be based on Linux and will be combined with the largest version of the BMW Curved Display. The latest BMW Operating System 9, which is based on Android Open Source Project software, will first appear in the BMW X1, beginning with November 2023 production.
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