As we had anticipated in January of this year, BMW presents an update to the BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system, dubbed iDrive 8.5as a preview of the debut this year of the all-new iDrive 9, which will be developed on the Android Automotive Open Source operating system.
The new BMW iDrive 8.5 will be introduced via online updates in all of the brand’s mid-size and large model ranges (7 Series; iX, i4, X5, X6, X7 and XM from July 2023), and It will continue to be based on the Linux operating system, but it has a new home screen with rearranged features, to offer greater ease of use on the curved screen of the new BMW models.
The iDrive 8 and its layered design.
The system’s QuickSelect concept also brings an improved menu structure, which is inspired by electronic devices such as tablets and phones. The brand indicates that the new BMW iDrive plays a unique role in delivering a focused and safe driving experience by displaying the right information in the right place.
With its new graphical interface and optimized menu structure, iDrive will focus even more on interaction through the use of the touch screen and natural language. BMW’s curved screen will continue to serve as the point of interaction for the BMW iDrive multi-sensory experience.
The new home screen
BMW iDrive 8.5 turns the start screen into a permanently visible user interface. The new principle is that all relevant functions and information are displayed on a single level and not layered, allowing you to select a desired function without first having to enter a submenu. Instead, the widgets appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface. These icons can be selected with just a swipe and can also be set individually.
The QuickSelect functionality makes it possible to directly select entertainment programmes, contact lists and vehicle settings, initiate interaction with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or activate other menu options, all by touch.
The iDrive 9 home screen will look the same as 8.5.
The operating concept of the new BMW iDrive 8.5 aligns with established user habits with today’s consumer electronic devices. The new flat menu structure makes activating functions and settings much faster and easier.
The graphical interface and menu structure are the same as those that will be released in the future iDrive 9, and were developed by BMW Group Design to be consistent and characteristic of the brand, offering customers a unique BMW user experience at all times.
