Next generation BMW iDrive car infotainment technology revealed
New digital dials and gesture control features set to debut on new X5 SUV later this year
The new BMW X5, due to be revealed later this year, will be the first car from BMW to receive the German brand’s updated iDrive infotainment system. Called BMW Operating System 7.0, it will eventually be rolled out across all new models.
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has long been considered the best in the industry due to its intuitive controls and responsiveness.
The interface of iDrive 7.0 is now completely digital and features newly designed dials, while information such as the navigation can be displayed between them for the first time. Depending on the driving mode you’re in, the display also changes colour accordingly.
The control display on the centre console has also been updated to give quicker responses to touch inputs. However, the new system can also be controlled via voice and gesture control, while the rotary dial lower down on the centre console remains.
Visually, the control display is made up of 10 menu pages, which can be tailored to suit individual needs. Each screen can house between two and four widgets, which can be made up of information like navigation instructions, radio, climate settings and phone connectivity.
Following its debut in the X5, the new iDrive system will then makes its way into the new 3 Series saloon and flagship X7 SUV, both of which are due to be revealed later this year.
Here’s how we rated BMW’s iDrive system in our 2016 infotainment test…
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