BMW Reveals New iDrive 8 Infotainment System

BMW’s latest infotainment system–called iDrive 8–aims to offer an even better user experience than iDrive 7, with enhanced voice-recognition software, a massive touchscreen, and myriad new features. And, yes, it still has a rotary controller.

While iDrive 8 will eventually proliferate throughout the rest of BMW’s portfolio, it will initially debut later this year on the new electric iX SUV and i4 sedan. In these applications, the interface will be sourced through a massive curved display on the dashboard. There, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel seamlessly converges with an enormous 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

More and more automakers are beginning to ditch physical switchgear for touch controls, so it’s notable that BMW’s newest iDrive system will continue to offer its defining feature, a center-console-mounted rotary controller. Although iDrive 8 has about half as many buttons and switches as its predecessor, users can pick their preference between physical controls, touch inputs, and voice commands.

BMW puts a stronger emphasis on dialogue-based interaction and natural voice recognition with iDrive 8. The system’s artificial intelligence–called BMW Intelligent Assistant–can effectively visualize itself on the displays and even distinguish which passenger is talking to it.

The AI, which can be given a name of the user’s choosing (we like Clarence, for example), can also handle an assortment of vehicle functions, including the HVAC system. So, if we say, “My feet are cold,” it can increase the temperature in the footwell. Thanks, Clarence!

Other noteworthy additions to iDrive 8 include increased personalization options through the new BMW ID and My Modes. The former feature allows users to create a profile and save various vehicle settings, essentially replacing the current BMW ConnectedDrive. Eventually, through the magic of over-the-air updates, the company says BMW ID will have the capability to be transferred between different vehicles.

My Modes is a similarly new feature of iDrive 8 that’s set to replace Driving Experience Control on future BMW models. The initial version that’s available on the iX and i4 allows up to 10 customizable and preset settings that not only apply to the color of the interior ambient lighting and the design of the dashboard displays, among other things, but also drive-mode characteristics such as steering feel and throttle response.

Every iDrive 8 system also features popular content such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and it’s compatible with 5G mobile technology. BMW says additional third-party apps for communication and music streaming are now integrated within the system, too.

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