Evolution of the BMW iDrive

BMW iDrive is the intuitive display and operating concept in every BMW. It’s the driver-vehicle interface and works through innovative collaboration between hardware and software. From finding a destination or adjusting the air-con to choosing your favorite music, BMW iDrive does it all – responding to speech, touch, or other control elements. It’s more than a classic display and operating concept and is now synonymous with integrating digital services and third-party apps.

THE BMW iDRIVE STORY

2001 – GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS

In 2001 the BMW Group set standards in the industry with its latest BMW 7 Series featuring the first BMW Drive. With fewer buttons on the dashboard, functions like the entertainment and navigation system were instead controlled via the push-and-turn dial in the centre console. In addition, the BMW 7 Series featured voice control for certain functions.

2003 – FULL VIEW AHEAD

Technology transfer from aviation: In 2003 the new BMW 5 Series featured a Head-Up Display for the very first time. This projected information onto the windscreen, straight into the driver’s line of view.

2008 – INTERNET INSIDE

The BMW Group was the first carmaker in the world to offer unrestricted access to the World Wide Web in its vehicles – the first step towards intelligent vehicle connectivity. From 2012 users could install third-party apps as well.

2015 – TOUCH IS THE NEW PUSH

Touch controls were introduced for the very first time. In the sixth-generation BMW 7 Series, BMW introduced gesture controls and touchscreen technology, marking a leap forward in intuitive vehicle interaction. Drivers could now manage key functions like adjusting volume or navigating through a simple movement of the hand or by using the touchscreen interface. These advancements offered a seamless blend of touchless and tactile convenience, redefining interaction within the automotive industry.

2018 – INTELLIGENT VOICE CONTROL

BMW Operating System 7, introduced with the 8 Series in 2018, redefined the driver’s experience with its fully digital cockpit, offering tailored configurations and intuitive control. A later update saw the launch of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA), elevating the long-standing leadership of BMW in voice control to a new level. Using advanced voice recognition and adaptive learning, IPA transforms the car into a digital companion, anticipating driver preferences and delivering personalized navigation, entertainment options, and settings to enhance every journey.

2021 – INTEGRATED INTO A DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM

The BMW iX (➜ Read also: Electrifying Sensations) introduced a striking curved display, seamlessly integrating a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display for an immersive, driver-focused experience. With BMW Operating System 8, My Modes were introduced, another breakthrough feature, harmonized technology with the driver’s emotional state. By customizing themes, lighting, and displays, My Modes turned the cabin into a sensory space that reflected the driver’s preferences and mood, blending innovation with a human touch.

2022: EFFORTLESS SIMPLICITY

Clarity reimagined. Quick Select delivers a touch-first interface, putting essential functions at your fingertips. With the introduction of the Quick Select menu powered by Operating System 9 in 2022, models such as the BMW X1 and BMW X2 adopted a touch-first interface, replacing the BMW Controller to offer a more streamlined and intuitive experience. Its map-centric layout prioritizes clarity, ensuring navigation and essential functions are always within easy reach. This shift exemplifies the BMW commitment to progress, adapting to the zeitgeist while remaining true to its vision of driver-focused innovation.

TODAY – GAMING, STREAMING, AND MORE

The launch of BMW Operating System 9 marked the next step in the development of BMW iDrive. The controls now follow advanced logic, and the menu structure has been improved to resemble consumer electronics. In addition, the infotainment software – developed in-house – offers more personalization, gaming and streaming.

THE FUTURE AWAITS.

Since it was launched in 2001, BMW iDrive has set standards in terms of the intuitive user experience time and again. BMW fans can now look forward to the next chapter – in 2025.