At CES, BMW showcased a groundbreaking iDrive operating system featuring a captivating 3D heads-up display (HUD) extending across the entire windshield. This innovative setup includes a redesigned steering wheel with haptic buttons and an augmented reality system that overlays navigation, driver assistance, and road information. Notably, BMW has eliminated the traditional instrument cluster, replacing it with a customizable digital display projected onto the windshield.
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“We’ve shifted our UX design perspective,” explained Christian Bauer, BMW’s head of digital and UX. “By bringing the display closer to the road, drivers can make faster decisions and keep their eyes on the road more effectively.”
This revolutionary system will debut in the upcoming X-class SUV, built on the all-electric Neue Klasse platform, later this year.
BMW, like many automakers, is embracing a minimalist approach, following Tesla’s lead by reducing physical controls. While eliminating the instrument cluster is a bold move for a brand synonymous with “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” Chief Technology Officer Frank Weber emphasized that the new system enhances the driving experience. “It’s not just a video screen,” he explained. “It’s an augmented reality layer that seamlessly connects the driver, the car, and the road.”
First showcased in the iVision Dee concept at CES 2023, the BMW Panoramic iDrive projects a 3D image along the windshield’s lower edge, displaying speed, driver assistance alerts, traffic signs, navigation, and vehicle status. The display is customizable and designed for visibility to both driver and passenger.
BMW has integrated navigation and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) into the HUD. When using onboard navigation with driver assistance, the intended path is highlighted in green. “With higher levels of automated driving,” Bauer noted, “ADAS and navigation become inherently intertwined.”
The new iDrive features a rhombus-shaped center infotainment screen with a customizable interface. Users can drag and drop frequently used apps (“pixels”) onto the home screen for easy access. BMW plans to introduce a dedicated app store for the new system, offering features like special lighting packages.
BMW utilizes edge AI to learn driver preferences and offer relevant features. For example, if a driver frequently takes a specific route, engages Sport mode, and plays a particular music app, these options will be readily available on the center screen. Additionally, large language models enhance navigation, allowing for natural language commands like “Find a charging station near a grocery store.”
The new steering wheel features a minimalist design with haptic buttons integrated into a single plastic piece. These illuminated buttons provide haptic feedback and are easily accessible.
BMW will begin integrating the new iDrive, UX, and interior features into its vehicles later this year.
