BMW's iDrive 9 Lets You Play Video Games with a PlayStation Controller

• BMW's new iDrive 9 infotainment system is adding more third-party apps, including video games that can be played with traditional Bluetooth controllers.

• The automaker also showed off its developmental remote-controlled valet parking at this year's CES.

• BMW previewed other potential future technology too, including augmented-reality glasses.

Most people who have played video games on a console in the past 25 years have done so with a full-size controller. Later this year, they'll be able to do the same in new BMW models with the iDrive 9 infotainment system. We had the opportunity to test that experience at this year's CES, where BMW had live demonstrations of the soon-to-be-available feature as well as developmental tech that someday might become reality.

In-Car Video Games

It's currently possible to play video games in several new BMW models with the AirConsole app that was introduced earlier this year. It lets people download games and use their smartphone as a controller—only when the car isn't moving, of course. Before the end of 2024, BMWs with iDrive 9 will be able to play other video games with full-size controllers, including Bluetooth-enabled PlayStation and Xbox gamepads.

We had the chance to play Beach Buggy Racing 2 using a PlayStation 5 controller. While we only spent a few minutes playing during the demo, it was immediately clear that it was just as fun factor as playing on a normal device. The new BMW X1 we were in also had the benefit of an excellent audio system that made the sound experience extra enjoyable. The game can even be played in split-screen mode with a second controller.

BMW says the in-car gaming will be available through its ConnectedDrive Store along with a slew of other new third-party apps that are made possible by the Android-based software that's baked into iDrive 9. Access requires paying for the BMW Digital Premium option, though. New models that aren't initially available with the controller connection will be able to add it via an over-the-air update.

Remote-Controlled Valet Parking

Much stranger than playing a video game in a car is remotely controlling a real-life car using a driving simulator. That's what we did at BMW's outdoor exhibit at CES where we piloted an electric iX SUV through a parking lot course while seated about 100 feet away.