First previewed in the Neue Klasse concept, the new BMW iDrive merges four elements into a unique display and operating concept.

The BMW Panoramic Vision projects content from A-pillar to A-pillar onto a black-printed surface in the lower section of the windshield. Though all information is visible to all occupants in a sort-of 3D effect, the most important driving information is projected in the driver’s line of sight, just above the steering wheel, while the center and right-hand information can be customized. Closely coordinating with that display is a 3D heads-up display that shows things like navigation and automated driving info directly in the driver’s field of vision.

At the center is a large central display that’s positioned close to the steering wheel. Its menu structure is familiar to current BMW owners with functions and content are all assessable by touch. Selected content (aka widgets) can be “swiped” over to the BMW Panoramic Vision. As many as six widgets can be displayed at any given time.

The new steering wheel uses a “shy-tech approach” which only illuminates relevant buttons to highlight available functions. These buttons offer haptic feedback while a relief-like surface should make them easy to locate. Nonetheless, the arrangement of the buttons are familiar with driver assistance functions being on the left-hand side, while content-controlling functions being on the right-hand side.

The same haptic switches are found for the wipers, turn signal indicators, mirror adjustment, volume control, gear selectors, and defogger. Other functions are optimized for operation using touch/voice control or via the multifunction steering wheel, such as telephone functions, media control systems, navigation, assisted driving, personalization of displays, selection of MyModes, and more.

Through BMW Operating System X, the panoramic display, center display, heads-up display, and steering wheel controls are all made to complement each other. For example, an incoming call initially brings up a graphic on the BMW Panoramic Vision. At the same time, a symbol on the relevant steering wheel button that was not previously visible is illuminated in green, indicating the option of taking the call by pressing the button or rejecting it with a swipe on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.

Like BMW Operating System 9, BMW Operating System X is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. It offers even greater update and upgrade capability than the predecessor system, making it both fit for the future and backwards compatible. It’s also ready to accommodate additional functions keeping vehicles equipped with the new BMW iDrive system updated for a longer period of time.