BMW unveils new iDrive infotainment system with smartphone-like design

BMW drew inspiration from the ever-changing world of smartphones to update its iDrive infotainment system. Known as version 8.5, the software gains a long list of features including a new home screen designed to be more straightforward to use and redesigned graphics.

The E65-generation 7 Series unveiled in 2001 inaugurated the first version of iDrive. Much has changed since, but the software's main purpose remains the same: it's essentially the point of contact between the driver and the car's various functions, and it gives designers the freedom drastically reduce the number of buttons on the dashboard. Fast-forward to 2023 and iDrive 8.5 (which remains Linux-based) receives a home screen with configurable graphics, meaning users can rearrange the various icons like on a smartphone or on a computer.

Software engineers simplified the iDrive system's layout. It now features a zero-layer design, so users can select the function that they're after without having to dive into a sub-menu. There's also a QuickSelect feature that reduces the number of taps and swipes needed to access a specific menu. We're told that these updates should make iDrive faster and simpler to use while reducing driver distractions.