BMW Reveals New iDrive Infotainment System Offering a Smartphone-like Experience

BMW has unveiled a new iDrive infotainment system, developed by taking cues from the dynamic world of smartphones. BMW Operating System 8.5 has several improvements, including a new home screen that's easier to use and updated graphics.

BMW has updated its iDrive for all current cars. In July of this year, the BMW 7-series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7, and XM, will be some of the first vehicles to receive the updated iDrive with OS 8.5. The new BMW iDrive infotainment system runs on BMW Operating System 8.5, which is based on Linux and can use the BMW Curved Display in a better way. With the new iDrive update, users can rearrange the different icons on the system's home screen, which has changeable visuals, just like a computer or a smartphone screen. The layout has been streamlined, and now users can choose the function they want without the need to get into a sub-menu, thanks to its new zero-layer design. A QuickSelect option is available, which lessens the number of taps and swipes required to access a specific menu. According to reports, these upgrades will reduce driver distractions while making iDrive faster and easier to use.

Also Read: 2023 BMW X5 M, X6 M Competition Globally Unveiled; Gets Mild-hybrid Tech

New BMW Operating System 8.5: What's More For Customers?

Interactive features comprising BMW's famed gesture control and programmable displays, instead of a fixed navigation screen, will be included in this new graphical interface. Moreover, it will also be possible to access the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with a single touch.

New BMW Operating System 8.5: Which Models To Get This New Update?

As already mentioned, BMW will roll out the new iDrive system across the 7 Series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7, and XM models. A remote software upgrade from iDrive 8 to iDrive 8.5 will be available for some of these vehicles, according to BMW. Further, the next-generation OS9, based on the Android Open Source Project software, will be made possible by this OS update.

Also Read: 2023 BMW X1 Walkaround : Best SUV in its segment? | autoX

BMW Latest Launches/Unveils

BMW officially launched the 2023 520d M Sport and the X3 xDrive 20d M Sport in India at Rs 68.90 lakh and Rs 69.90 lakh, respectively ( all prices are ex-showroom). In other development, the German automaker globally introduced the BMW X5 M and X6 M models. The new BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition are the first BMW M cars that use mild-hybrid technology. The new BMW X5 is expected to make its debut in India in August, according to reports.