BMW Unveils iDrive System Transforming Windshield into Heads-Up Display
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) this week, BMW made waves with the introduction of a revolutionary iDrive operating system featuring a cutting-edge 3D heads-up display (HUD) that spans the entire windshield from pillar to pillar. This innovative setup includes a redesigned steering wheel with haptic buttons and an augmented reality system overlaying navigation directions and driver assistance information onto the road details. A significant change is the replacement of the traditional gauge cluster with a customisable digital version projected onto the windshield.
Christian Bauer, BMW's head of digital and UX, shared insights during a preview event near the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, stating, "Pushing the display closer to the street will help drivers make quicker decisions, which will make it easier to keep your eyes on the road." The upcoming X-class SUV, built on the all-electric Neue Klasse platform, will be the first to feature this new system, set to debut by the end of 2025.
BMW's move towards a more minimalist interior design, akin to Tesla's approach, involves eliminating screens and dials within the vehicle. Despite initial concerns from some board members, BMW's chief technology officer, Frank Weber, expressed confidence in the new setup, emphasising that it enhances the connection between driver, car, and the road through augmented reality, rather than merely being a video screen in the car.
The BMW Panoramic iDrive heads-up display, showcased previously at CES 2023, is part of the new BMW Operating System X platform. This advanced HUD, located along the bottom of the windshield, offers a three-dimensional display featuring speed, driving assistance information, navigation details, and more. Unlike traditional HUDs, BMW's display is visible to both the driver and passenger, providing a seamless and informative driving experience.
In addition to the full-windshield HUD, BMW introduced a rhombus-shaped centre infotainment screen with a customisable interface, allowing users to arrange frequently used apps for easy access. The company plans to launch a BMW app store for the new UX, offering paid apps for features like special lighting packages. BMW utilises edge AI to personalise the driving experience based on user behaviour, making the vehicle smarter and more intuitive.
The upcoming Neue Klasse will feature a redesigned steering wheel with illuminated haptic buttons for enhanced usability. BMW's commitment to innovation extends to leveraging large language models for improved natural voice recognition and navigation. The company aims to integrate these advancements into its vehicles by the end of 2025, promising a more connected, intuitive, and futuristic driving experience for BMW enthusiasts.
BMW introduces groundbreaking iDrive system with full-windshield heads-up display
New system to debut in upcoming X-class SUV on all-electric Neue Klasse platform by end of 2025
BMW embraces minimalist interior design trend, focusing on augmented reality and connectivity
Source: THE VERGE