CES 2025: BMW’s next-generation iDrive system | Automotive news

• BMW revealed details of the next generation of its iDrive multimedia system at CES 2025.

Last October, during our visit to the BMW test center located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, we had the opportunity to try a host of models, but also to attend different workshops where quantity new technologies and innovations (including some vehicles in development) were presented to us.

Embargoes affect several elements, so we have not yet had the opportunity to reveal anything to you… until today when we finally have permission to talk to you about the new generation of the system BMW iDrive multimedia.

New class
The new system will be offered with all Neue Klasse models at BMW. Neue Klasse is the name given to the new structure of new generation products (electric) which will be introduced by the brand. It’s simple, the ways of doing things and designing have been redesigned, including everything relating to the multimedia approach.

And this multimedia system is referred to under the name BMW Operating System X. It is intended to be the continuation of the iDrive 9 system which is currently available with the brand’s models. It is based on Android and will allow the integration of a number of applications desired by users, all in line with BMW’s philosophy which is to offer a system which is always oriented towards the driver and his needs.

More analysis and testing under real conditions will be necessary to get an idea of ​​all this.

What you need to know for now is that the new iDrive system is built around four central elements.

BMW Panoramic Vision
Here, we’re talking about the latest advances in display technology. Basically, what the system will allow is the projection of information on the width of the windshield, in the bottom section. Thus, the quantity of information shared could be greater, but above all, it could be seen by all the occupants of the vehicle.

And everything is highly customizable, which means that users will be able to choose the information that will be displayed.

New central screen
The second element is this new central screen which will dominate the presentation on the dashboard. The latter will feature matrix backlighting technology, for increased clarity and ease of reading. It is even closer to the steering wheel, making it easier to access its touch functions.

Greater customization will also be possible.

New multifunction steering wheel
What will also be very visible with the Neue Klasse vehicles is the multifunction steering wheel. The controls have been completely redesigned and redesigned. We are talking about tactile keys, but with haptic feedback, which represents a compromise solution between the pure tactile key and the good old button.

In our humble opinion, nothing can replace the button which is easier to spot. We can’t wait to see how it’s used here.

New head-up display
Finally, the fourth important element of the new system is the next generation of head-up display technology. The latter integrates 3D for the first time with graphics for navigation and automated driving, appearing directly in the driver’s field of vision. A short presentation allowed us to see a higher level of animation during a car race, where we see the indications regarding the directions to take being more animated.

Everything is more immersive for the driver and captures their attention more.

This is, in short, what awaits us with BMW’s new multimedia system, which more than ever becomes the heart and central computer of all the brand’s vehicles.

We’ll talk about it again when we test a first model that will be equipped with it.