At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, the BMW Group has unveiled a new control and user experience system called Panoramic iDrive, which will be part of all new BMW models from the end of 2025. At the centre of this system is the BMW Panoramic Vision display and the latest BMW Operating System X, which is designed to provide a state-of-the-art driver-car interaction.
The new BMW Panoramic iDrive system consists of four main elements:
- BMW Panoramic Vision is a projection display that shows information on the windscreen from pillar to post. The main data is projected directly into the driver's field of vision, while the rest of the information can be personalised via the central display;
- The 3D Head-Up Display is an optional display that integrates navigation and automated driving information. All data on both displays is synchronised;
- Centre display with dot matrix backlight - located near the steering wheel, it provides touchscreen control of functions. The driver can transfer widgets from the centre display to the Panoramic Vision;
- Multifunctional steering wheel with shy-tech technology - the touch buttons on the steering wheel are illuminated only when the function is available and also provide tactile feedback.BMW says that this integrated solution redefines the company's ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’ approach, providing the driver with all the information they need at the right time and in a place that is easy to understand. However, given the previous experience with touchscreen controls, there are doubts that the new system will be able to replace physical buttons effectively. Nevertheless, BMW may have managed to solve this problem, thanks in part to the new OS and voice control.
BMW Operating System X is the core of the new Panoramic iDrive concept. It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and therefore supports updates and third-party applications. At launch, BMW Operating System X will have integration with more than 60 apps via the ConnectedDrive Store, including services such as Zoom.
Overall, the system ensures interaction between Panoramic Vision, the central display, the steering wheel and other elements, and should create a seamless transition between physical and digital driving. For example, when you receive an incoming call, a graphical notification will appear on the display and the corresponding button on the steering wheel will light up green to answer the call.
The system should also provide improved personalisation. Drivers will be able to customise the display of content, choose backlight colours and upload their own images for the central display screensavers.
In addition, the system will be equipped with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responds to the Hey BMW command and can execute advanced voice commands using Large Language Models (LLM). For example, the driver can say, ‘Find a charging station near the store,’ and the assistant will provide the appropriate route.
The Neue Klasse models with the new Panoramic iDrive system will also feature the HypersonX sound system, which includes 43 sound signals and adaptive sounds for different driving modes.