Revamped BMW In-Car UI: A Fresh Take on the Driving Experience
BMW is set to transform the driving experience with its latest in-car user interface, debuting in the Neue Klasse sedan later this year and eventually extending to all models, as announced at CES 2025. The new system introduces a widget-based layout that offers a customizable experience, even extending to the car’s windshield. While it may sound like a futuristic projection, it’s actually achieved through screens embedded in the dashboard that reflect onto a specially treated portion of the glass. This innovative approach is infused with BMW’s signature style.
“We felt when we looked at all the digital possibilities, that people are only using a fraction of what a vehicle can theoretically do inside,”
Frank Weber, BMW CTO, shared with TechCrunch at CES 2025.
BMW’s focus is on expanding driver capabilities without overwhelming them with screens, unlike many competitors. This led to the windshield concept, which has been an internal idea at BMW for nearly a decade. The subtle distinction between “another screen” and “information reflected on the windshield” aligns with BMW’s commitment to the “ultimate driving experience.”
The futuristic Panoramic iDrive has been shown before, but now BMW is unveiling its production-ready version. While traditional displays remain, such as a central touchscreen for climate settings and customizable widgets, an optional head-up display complements the panoramic UI. This shift marks the end of the knob-based iDrive system, which many drivers scarcely used beyond scrolling or zooming maps.
- Central touch screen display for essential controls and maps
- Optional head-up display above panoramic UI
- Haptic steering wheel buttons and voice control replace physical knobs
The Panoramic iDrive UI integrates a new digital assistant powered by a white label LLM, enhancing hands-free interaction. Third-party app support remains robust, including Apple CarPlay. According to Adrian Van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design:
“We control everything because what we want to have is an interface that is deeply connected to the functions of the car.”
Adrian Van Hooydonk emphasized during an interview.
This control ensures that while third-party integrations are available, critical car functions and customer data remain under BMW’s stewardship.
The new UI represents more than just an interface overhaul; it embodies BMW’s vision of enhancing driver focus and connectivity without compromising on safety or convenience.
