BMW presents its Panoramic iDrive as a world exclusive at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. A new connected interface which will be implemented in its future models from 2026. Let’s discover what’s new.
Panoramic iDrive: the future of BMW
At CES 2025, BMW presented a revolutionary new version of its iDrive system, incorporating a 3D head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality (AR). This innovation promises to redefine the driving experience by offering interactive and immersive features directly projected onto the windshield.
BMW’s iDrive system, known for its simplicity and efficiency, takes a new step forward by integrating elements of augmented reality. Now drivers will have access to essential information like GPS directions, safety alerts and even notifications right in their field of vision.
According to BMW, this new HUD occupies a large part of the windshield, creating an intuitive and non-intrusive interface that adapts in real time to the environment and driving context.
Key features:
1. Augmented navigation: thanks to augmented reality, precise arrows and directions are displayed on the road itself, making it easier to change lanes and make turns.
2. Advanced Safety Alerts: Potential hazards, such as nearby pedestrians or vehicles, are highlighted directly in the HUD.
3. Gesture control: Drivers will be able to interact with the system using simple gestures to minimize distractions.
4. Dynamic customization: The interface adapts to drivers’ preferences, displaying only relevant information according to driving conditions.
By integrating AR into its HUD, BMW aims to make driving more intuitive and immersive. For example, when using GPS, virtual lines on the roadway will guide the driver, while dynamic icons will indicate nearby points of interest, such as gas stations or available parking lots.
During its presentation, BMW emphasized that this new iDrive not only offers an improved user experience, but is also a step towards autonomous driving. By integrating real-time data and advanced sensors, the iDrive system could play a key role in driver assistance and road safety.
A launch planned for 2026
BMW plans to integrate this new iDrive system into its next-generation vehicles from 2026. The first models equipped will likely be the high-end series, before wider adoption across the range. It remains to be seen whether this technology will appeal to drivers and establish itself as a standard in the years to come.
