At CES 2025, BMW revealed the next step in the evolution of its iDrive system — the Panoramic iDrive.
Having teased this tech last year in the iVision Dee concept, the automaker is now ready to show off the fully realized version of this innovative infotainment system. What makes this debut particularly exciting is the seamless integration of advanced technologies, including an expanded heads-up display, a customizable infotainment system, and cutting-edge AI, all part of BMW’s new Operating System X.
The Panoramic iDrive
The centerpiece of this system is the Panoramic Vision, which takes the concept of the traditional heads-up display (HUD) to the next level.
Instead of being confined to a small patch of windshield, BMW’s new HUD runs the length of the lower edge of the windshield, stretching between the A-pillars. This three-dimensional display presents key driving information directly in the driver’s line of sight, such as speed, adaptive driving assistance system (ADAS) data, navigation instructions, road signs, and even stoplight information.
It’s also customizable. Drivers can choose which pieces of information are most important, and position them to appear in their direct eyeline.
The Panoramic HUD is visible not only to the driver but also to the passenger. Unlike traditional HUDs that are visible from a specific angle, BMW’s new display ensures that both occupants can view the same content. This includes real-time information about the vehicle’s path, which turns green when using onboard navigation with driver assist features, providing a more intuitive and connected experience.
BMW has also made sure this tech works with higher levels of automated driving, and the integration of ADAS features directly into the HUD makes this future-proof. The system is designed to improve as BMW continues to enhance its hands-off autonomous driving features, especially on highways.
As for durability, BMW confirmed that the windshield itself is not a specialty one — no additional cost for replacement should it get damaged, as a special film layer allows the 3D images to appear crisp without requiring any special glass.
More Customization with a New Infotainment Screen
In addition to the revolutionary HUD, BMW is introducing a new rhombus-shaped central touchscreen that offers a completely customizable interface.
The design aims to give users greater control over their on-screen experience, allowing them to drag and drop “pixels” (or apps) they use most often into two main boxes on the home screen for easy access.
The screen itself is angled toward the driver, enhancing usability while keeping things sleek and modern.
BMW is also laying the groundwork for an in-car app store, where users can download new apps to enhance their driving experience, ranging from special lighting features to other advanced capabilities. This app-based model aligns with the growing trend in the automotive world to integrate software as a service into the vehicle.
AI and Voice Recognition: Smarter Than Ever
The system goes even further by using edge AI to learn from the driver’s habits and preferences.
It analyzes driving patterns and adapts the interface to present the features the driver uses most frequently. For example, if you regularly switch to Sport mode when driving on winding roads, or you tend to cue up your favorite music when you get in the car, these options will automatically pop up on the screen, saving you time and energy when navigating through the system.
BMW is also introducing large language models (LLMs) to power its voice recognition system, taking the company’s class-leading natural language processing to the next level.
Now, you can ask the system to “take me to a charging station near the grocery store,” without needing to use precise keywords. This shift makes the in-car experience more intuitive and conversational, reducing the need for specific commands while increasing overall ease of use.
When can we expect this tech in BWM’s vehicles?
While BMW has showcased the Panoramic iDrive system in full form at CES 2025, the technology will make its official debut in the Neue Klasse SUV later this year.
However, it won’t be limited to just one model — BMW plans to roll this tech across its full range of vehicles by the end of 2025, which means whether you’re looking at a sleek sedan, a sporty coupe, or an electric SUV, the Panoramic iDrive could soon become an integral part of your driving experience.
