BMW iX to debut new iDrive 8
All-electric iX SUV and i4 sedan to be first models fitted with BMW’s new-gen operating systemBMW Australia has confirmed its new-generation operating system, iDrive 8, will launch in conjunction with the all-new 2021 BMW iX that reaches showrooms in the final quarter of this year.
The all-electric iX SUV will be followed by the 2022 BMW i4 sedan, which becomes the second model fitted with iDrive 8 that’s said to be more intuitive and intelligent than the current operating system.
BMW says iDrive 8 includes new displays, controls and software, with “extremely powerful connectivity and data processing”.
Improving human-machine interaction, BMW says the Intelligent Personal Assistant will learn and adjust to a driver’s individual needs and routines, allowing for more dialogue-based interaction with a focus on natural language and gesture control.
There’s also a feature called Great Entrance Moments, a choreographed routine performed by the vehicle that welcomes the driver, as well as a new My Modes features that sets various vehicle functions to suit.
From launch, those modes include Efficient, Sport and Personal. However, more will be added as part of BMW’s future iDrive development.
Then there’s BMW ID, which the Bavarian car-maker says paves the way for even greater personalisation, with the system recognising repetitive situations, learning from them and then providing suggestions on how functions can be activated accordingly.
On-board features such as navigation will also be improved with iDrive 8, with Learning Navigation tech to help pre-empt the driver’s next destination.
The new operating system is compatible with over-the-air updates and looks every bit as futuristic as it sounds, with a Curved Display that comprises the information and control displays and is angled towards the driver.
As part of the set-up, BMW says the 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display merge together, while buttons and controls on the centre console have been reconfigured with an “all-new, strikingly clear and minimalist design”.
In the upcoming BMW iX, the Touch Controller is finished with a glass-effect cover, surrounded by a Gold Bronze bezel.
Meanwhile, a new Digital Key Plus will debut on the BMW iX, bringing improvements to the car-maker’s current digital key.
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