BMW has revealed the production version of the next-generation Panoramic iDrive interface that will feature in all of its future models.
The bold new system, revealed at Las Vegas’s CES tech event, will first be used in the production version of the Neue Class X electric SUV, due later this year, then subsequently be adopted by both electric and combustion models.
The Panoramic iDrive interior concept comprises four separate elements, with the most eye-catching a chunky display that is projected across a black strip stretching across the width of the windscreen.
It includes key driving information – such as speed – in front of the driver, alongside which are six customisable ‘particle’ slots.
There is then a centrally positioned touchscreen, which is notably angled towards the driver, running BMW’s new Operating System X software.
Based on Android code, OS X has been developed in-house, with the X (rather than 10) designation subtly noting that it marks a step change from the old OS 9.
For right-hand-drive models, BMW will produce a touchscreen that slopes in the opposite direction.
It is capable of receiving over-the-air software updates and has been fully developed as a touch- and voice-control system.
It has also been designed to be more intuitive. For example, the sat-nav map is now the standard background.
It features no physical controls, with BMW reasoning that these have limited its ability to offer more complex and varied options.
The system works in conjunction with a new steering wheel featuring a number of physical buttons that offer haptic feedback.
Finally there’s an optional 3D head-up display (HUD) that projects info into the driver’s line of sight above the Panoramic Vision strip.
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Square steering wheels. I don't get them either. The reasonings of "Blocking views" and "stealing space for knees" just suggests to me that the steering wheel is either too big or in the wrong place. Square steering wheels in road cars, to me, is style over substance. It's trying to mimic race car cockpits in an environment meant for normal driving use. And as for all these big distracting screens and haptic touch "buttons"... fine for multimedia in the home... not in a moving two-ton-plus vehicle.
Totally agree with all you say, and I don't think what they are proposing is what the average new car buyer is looking for.
This of course is the big problem. The manufacturers are emplying people who are really working in the wrong industry, and who don't seem to have any grasp about ergonomics and their importance in car safety. Cost factors, and the desire to steal some sort of stylistic march over competitors are king.
A BMW 1 series was in the running to be my next car but not if it's interior is like this mess. It's several square feet of computer display distractions, just how many seconds would your eyes be off the road in an attempt to find that stupid little fan icon.
Should have said.... next 1 series. Just to angry after looking at this star wars style dashboard and the clueless design geek trying to explain them away.
"Clueless design geek" sounds about right. I'm sure he's a highly talented guy, but somebody's given him way to much freedom. Like you, there is no way I would buy a new BMW with an interior like this. The interior of the current M3 and M5 is the main reason I won't buy either.
I used to be a BMW guy. I owned them. It's clear from this article that I'll never buy a BMW again.
Very much in the same boat.
BMW used to have the best ergonomics in the industry. The controls were consistent and intuitive, and many could be operated by touch alone, without taking your eyes off the road.
Now we get this, which makes no sense to me.