BMW unveils next-generation iDrive infotainment software

German car giant BMW has revealed further details of its next-generation infotainment software, which is due to roll out across key models from the middle of this year.

There will be two versions of BMW's latest iDrive infotainment software: iDrive 8.5 for mid-size and large models, and iDrive 9 for its small cars and SUVs.

Although the systems look all but identical, they are unrelated – iDrive 8.5 is an updated version of the current iDrive 8 system, and uses Linux technology, while iDrive 9 is all-new and based on Google's Android Automotive system.

Android Automotive – also used by brands such as Volvo and Renault – is a framework on which car makers can build their infotainment software. It is not to be confused with Android Auto, which is just an app within an existing infotainment system.

The iDrive 8.5 system is due to feature in the 7 Series, i7, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7 and XM models "gradually" from July 2023 production – while iDrive 9 is planned for X1, iX1 and 2 Series Active Tourer vehicles built from November 2023.

"The new BMW Operating System [iDrive] 8.5 will be gradually introduced in all midsize, executive and luxury model ranges from BMW," the German car maker said in a media release.

The new iDrive interfaces bring a revised home screen, altered graphical interfaces and a new menu structure – all of which BMW says have been modelled on those from consumer electronic devices.

The latest system makes the home screen a permanently-viewable interface within BMW's central infotainment display.

Other individually-configurable programs can also be displayed within the same screen in place of the navigation system’s map view – in what BMW describes as a new 'zero layer principle'.

BMW says the new iDrive layout is aimed at displaying all relevant features and information on a single level, allowing users to perform commands via touchscreen control without having to swipe through various sub-menus.

The new home screen houses widgets that can be chosen by the user. They are housed in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the infotainment display (pictured here in a left-hand-drive vehicle).

Each widget can be selected with a touch and also configured individually, says BMW.

This so-called 'QuickSelect' function allows the driver and front-seat passenger to select vehicle settings, phone contacts and entertainment apps as well as other menu options directly from the home screen.

Once users have performed a particular task from one of the shortcuts, a tap of a home icon returns the display to the home screen.

“BMW iDrive is more than just a control and operating system,” Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President BMW Group Connected Company Development, said in a media statement “We are continuously enhancing the user experience based on the latest available technology.”

BMW says the QuickSelect function is a further development of that featured in the iDrive 8 system fitted to current BMW models with a curved display (7 Series, 3 Series, i7, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7 and XM).