At this year's (2025) Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States, the BMW Group showcased its future driving experience and user experience. During the exhibition, BMW allowed consumers to experience the soon-to-be-produced BMW iDrive for the first time and get a glimpse of its core system—the Panoramic Vision display. BMW iDrive, equipped with the BMW Operating System X, serves as the intelligent hub for this new display and operating concept. The overall system design is modern and will be introduced into all new BMW models starting at the end of 2025.
Frank Weber, a member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for development, said: "The all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive is the culmination of 25 years of operational concept innovation and technological leadership, combining high technology with highly intuitive operation."
Frank Weber further stated, "The new BMW Operating System X is key to this. With this system upgrade, we offer the world's best and most comprehensive infotainment system, not only enhancing its capabilities but also setting a new industry benchmark for multimodal interaction. We expect to launch the first production Neue Klasse models by the end of this year and integrate the new BMW Panoramic iDrive into all future BMW models."
Four elements that define the BMW style to ensure driving focus <br /> The all-new BMW iDrive integrates four central control elements into a unique display and operation concept.
- BMW Panoramic Vision: BMW Panoramic Vision is a new head-up display developed by BMW that projects driving information onto a black projection area running horizontally below the windshield, making the information visible to all occupants. The most important driving information is projected onto the left side of the display, level with the driver's line of sight (for left-hand drive vehicles), specifically above the steering wheel. Furthermore, the driver can adjust the information displayed in the center and right sides of the Panoramic Vision display via the central control screen to suit their needs. Vehicles equipped with BMW Panoramic Vision create a three-dimensional visual experience for both driver and passengers.
- The new BMW Head-Up Display (optional), positioned above the Panoramic Vision, integrates and displays navigation and autonomous driving information directly within the driver's line of sight, with the content of the Panoramic Vision display and the Head-Up Display presented in a neat and coordinated manner. The BMW Group has also filed several patent applications for the development of these two head-up display projection technologies to ensure their innovativeness.
- The matrix-backlit central control screen features an updated QuickSelect menu, allowing for optimal operation of functions and content via touch. The screen employs a freely cut design and is ergonomically positioned near the steering wheel, offering simple and convenient operation. Selected content (such as widgets) can be transferred from the screen to the Panoramic Vision display simply by swiping. Up to six widgets can be selected at a time and freely arranged on the panoramic display.
- The newly unveiled multifunction steering wheel features BMW's exclusive Shy Tech invisible technology. When in operation, only the relevant buttons illuminate, indicating the currently available function. As the primary physical control unit, the steering wheel provides tactile feedback for its buttons. Furthermore, the buttons are meticulously designed with a unique tactile feel, allowing the driver to easily locate them without taking their eyes off the road. The arrangement of the steering wheel buttons also conforms to conventional wisdom: the buttons for driver assistance functions are located on the left side of the steering wheel, while the buttons for other functions are on the right.
By combining these four elements, BMW reinterprets its "hands-on-the-wheel, eyes-on-the-road" design philosophy, setting a new benchmark for driver-focused design while presenting a more intuitive, user-friendly, and ergonomic operating method. Panoramic iDrive always provides the right information to the driver at the right time and in the right place, continuously integrating analog and digital control designs such as switches, buttons, touch, and voice. For example, the system provides haptic feedback switches to control wipers, turn signals, exterior mirrors, volume, gear shift, and window defroster. Other functions are optimized through haptic, voice control, or the multifunction steering wheel, such as call, media control system, navigation, driver assistance, personalized display, My Modes settings, and various other functions.
In addition to learning from the operating systems of over 22 million BMW vehicles worldwide, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive incorporated extensive research from the Group's Usability Lab (with approximately 3,000 owners participating) during its development. This allows the system to make informed and effective decisions based on available data for various operational logics. Furthermore, the user experience offers a wider range of personalized options, better aligning with customer preferences and needs.
BMW Operating System X: Intelligent, Multifunctional, and Future-Oriented <br /> The all-new Operating System X, developed entirely in-house by BMW, is the latest upgrade to the automotive operating system and is already used in various models. Like its predecessor, Operating System 9, Operating System X utilizes a software stacking approach based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Compared to previous generations, Operating System X offers enhanced functionality and is compatible with past and future system versions. It can accommodate additional functions and ensures that BMW models can be equipped with the new Panoramic iDrive system, allowing drivers to experience cutting-edge technology at any time.
Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of Connected Company Development at the BMW Group, stated, "The combination of Operating System X and BMW Panoramic iDrive represents a significant technological advancement in concept. It is simple to operate and allows for a more immersive and personalized experience. The combination of these two systems demonstrates the potential of software-defined vehicles."
The more intelligent Operating System X not only integrates with Panoramic Vision but also connects BMW's 3D head-up display, central control screen, and multi-function steering wheel, successfully merging physical and digital experiences. For example, the system can project incoming call information onto the panoramic display. Simultaneously, the corresponding call button on the steering wheel will illuminate in green, allowing the driver to press the button to answer the call or swipe right to reject it.
After the driver inputs the navigation destination via touch or voice control, the system projects navigation information onto the head-up display and shows other road and intersection information on the Panoramic Vision display. The central control screen can display a map overview at any time, allowing the driver to view the navigation route from a wider perspective.
Furthermore, BMW's Operating System X elevates personalized services to a new level. The Panoramic Vision display can be adjusted to individual preferences, while drivers can select desired driving attributes (such as system response and steering wheel characteristics) in the Personal mode within My Modes. Users can also upload their own images as the background for the central control screen and ambient lighting color scheme, and design the user interface according to their personal preferences, creating a more personalized driving experience.
To activate the intelligent voice assistant, the driver can simply say "Hello, BMW" or press the corresponding button on the multifunction steering wheel. The intelligent voice assistant will integrate a Large Language Model (LLM) in Neue Klasse, continuously enhancing its functionality and reaching new heights. Currently, the Large Language Model is primarily used for navigation, allowing drivers to give broader voice commands using natural language, such as "Navigate me to a charging station with a nearby restaurant." At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025), BMW's technology partner Amazon showcased an X3 equipped with a beta version of the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, giving attendees a sneak peek at the upgraded experience integrating the LLM.
In terms of infotainment, BMW's intelligent voice assistant can proactively recommend content based on usage behavior (if the driver wants it), and it becomes even more intelligent when paired with Operating System X. When appropriate, the intelligent voice assistant will recommend less frequently used driver assistance system functions. For example, if the driver has previously activated Sport Mode, the voice assistant will kindly remind them to activate it in suitable road conditions. If the driver does not respond or ignore the system's suggestions several times, the system will learn from the experience and will no longer provide similar suggestions.
Operating System X also supports third-party applications from previous generation infotainment systems. Currently, the global BMW ConnectedDrive cloud store offers more than 60 applications that support the previous generation Operating System 9, and will continue to add various applications, such as productivity tools like the online meeting software Zoom.
Creating a unique user and driving experience through design and technology <br /> The all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only supports system expansion, but will also be applied to all new BMW models (including all vehicle models and driving systems) by the end of 2025.
BMW prioritizes the driving experience above all else. Driving should be effortless, allowing drivers complete control over their vehicles. This philosophy is reflected in the new Panoramic iDrive, evident in the details: BMW strives to make the user interface more intuitive and tailored to the driver's needs, ensuring seamless human-vehicle interaction. Overall, Panoramic iDrive perfectly integrates sound, lighting, and innovative design to comprehensively enhance the driving experience, making every journey a unique experience of human-vehicle interaction.
"Technology and consumer preferences are evolving faster than ever before, and digital experiences and in-car audio design are becoming increasingly important," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of Design at the BMW Group. "The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our cars smarter and easier to operate, but also significantly increases personalization options, making every new BMW unique and exclusive to its owner."
Another element of BMW Panoramic iDrive's comprehensive driving experience is the HypersonX sound system featured in the Neue Klasse model. Created by BMW Group's sound design studio, HypersonX offers up to 43 sound signals in Personal and Sport modes. Its multi-spectral design precisely adjusts the sound based on the current driving conditions, establishing an emotional interaction between the driver and the vehicle.
(Image source: BMW)
