BMW’s latest iDrive system is inspired by smartphones

The latest instalment in BMW’s long-running iDrive infotainment software will begin rolling out in July this year as running updates across the range.

Linux-based Generation OS8.5 will come first as a successive update for BMW’s larger vehicles, with the X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer to gain even more impressive, Android open source-based OS9 from November.

BMW says the new system’s flat menus and minimal interfaces take cues from ‘consumer electronics devices’ – smartphones to you and I.

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This is the next step as BMW pushes to become a tech provider as well as a carmaker on the way to its vision of responsive voice commands and whopping great augmented reality displays previewed in the i Vision Dee concept.

“Today, BMW iDrive is more than just a control and operating system – it’s a digital world of experience allowing human and car to interact with one another and exchange information,” said Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of the BMW Group's Connected Company Development.

What makes the latest iDrive different?

Borrowing from smartphone interfaces, the latest iDrive intends to minimise sub-menus with persistent shortcut buttons lining the bottom of the display, and customisable widgets gathered on the driver’s side of the curved screen.

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The current BMW X1's touchscreen

BMW refers to this as a ‘flat menu structure’, it’s said to offer simpler and snappier interaction with the most heavily-trafficked functions.

The iDrive operating system will continue to be updated and improved more regularly than ever to provide better information on charging points, and online services.

While the OS9 coming to BMW’s smaller X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer will run on a different operating system (Android, not Linux), BMW says it has gone to great lengths to retain a signature appearance across all vehicles.

BMW did not confirm as much, but it’s almost certain the new operating systems will continue to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring. Enhanced voice control will also feature

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When will the latest OS be available in the BMW I'm considering?

BMW will begin rolling out OS8.5 on new-build luxury models fitted with the latest curved screen, including 7 Series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7, and XM, from July 2023.

Following that roll-out, the X1 small SUV and 2 Series Active Tourer, which both feature different interior concepts to the above larger vehicles, will begin receiving OS9 in November this year.