The next stage in the evolution of BMW iDrive
Innovation 07.01.2025 4 Min.
The first-ever BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X.

BMW iDrive denotes the complete display and operating experience, from infotainment software to displays and beyond. Originally launched in 2001, BMW iDrive has repeatedly set industry standards in terms of intuitive usability. 

The launch of the Neue Klasse vehicles in late 2025 marks a next step for the BMW Group, with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive. With a stronger focus on driver orientation than ever before, the BMW Panoramic iDrive is the next logical enhancement of previous iDrive generations. From late 2025 it will make its way into all new BMW models, irrespective of drive system type. The intelligent software behind the new BMW Panoramic iDrive is the BMW Operating System X.

The four key interaction elements of the BMW Panoramic iDrive.

More driver-oriented and personalisable than ever before.

The central interface for driver-vehicle interaction consists of four key components: the BMW Panoramic Vision, the Central Display, the new multifunction steering wheel and the new, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display. In combination, these offer a more driver-oriented experience than ever before and take the unique BMW approach of Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road to a completely new level.

The BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the entire width of the windscreen, allowing driver and occupants to experience an entirely new dimension of personalisable content. Close-by is the Central Display with free-cut design. Ergonomically in the ideal position right next to the steering wheel, the Central Display gets its unique colour and luminosity from the Matrix Backlight technology – in any light conditions. And for the first time, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display offers an even broader overview by projecting the navigation and assisted driving displays straight into the driver’s field of vision. Rounding off the BMW Panoramic iDrive ensemble is the new multifunction steering wheel with haptic feedback. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now has enhanced capabilities: with an integrated Large Language Model (LLM), it enables dialogue in natural language.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive takes personalisation to a new level. For the first time, users can define their own preferred driving characteristics such drive system and steering settings, via the My Mode Personal. They can also upload personal photos and adjust the colour selection of the Ambient Light and Central Display to taste. The overall experience is further enhanced by the new "HypersonX" sound experience, developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio. This comprises 43 sound signals as well as special driving sounds for the My Modes Personal and Sport. The multi-dimensional sound spectrum adapts the sounds exactly to the driving situation, enabling emotional interaction between the driver and their BMW.

Developed in-house: the BMW Operating System X.

The software underpinning the display and operating concept of the BMW Panoramic iDrive is the BMW Operating System X. This state-of-the-art infotainment software enables precise and cleverly coordinated control of the interaction elements, giving the driver the right information at the right time, in the right place.

Just like its predecessors, the BMW Operating System X is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Developed 100% in-house, it takes the BMW Group one step closer to digital and technological independence. Third-party content remains fully and seamlessly integrated and will continue to open up a wide range of streaming, gaming and infotainment offerings in the future. 

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