Though they are not software companies, automakers like offering unique infotainment interface flavors in their vehicles. They can sometimes be overly complex and difficult to use, especially while driving. Still, most companies have figured out the basics. BMW's software is called iDrive, and it's now several generations into the technology, offering multiple features across various screen sizes and vehicle types.
iDrive originated in the early 2000s, making its first appearance in the 7 Series. The early systems relied on Microsoft Windows technologies for some features, and navigation systems required CDs to draw map data. As these things go, technology has progressed rapidly over the last 20 years, enabling a range of features and functions in iDrive that were only a fantasy when it first debuted.
Today, iDrive controls nearly every part of BMW's vehicle architecture, from the audio systems to chassis dynamics and drivetrain settings. Rolls-Royce and Mini vehicles also use iDrive, and one can find variations on the system in the Toyota Supra and other vehicles that utilize BMW powertrains.
BMW says its software follows the "act, locate, and inform" philosophy, which places information in easily viewable locations and avoids redundancy. It also helps ensure continuity between displays, as many BMW vehicles come with infotainment screens, digital gauge clusters, and head-up display systems that could be quite jumbled if not coordinated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as part of the interface, and BMW offers other features—including a dash camera system—as subscription services.
Depending on the vehicle, iDrive can provide information on the electric vehicle battery's state of charge or specific driving modes for performance. Owners can interact with the system using touch, voice, gestures, or the center console-mounted rotary controller.
iDrive also comes with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which the automaker promises offers a "human-like manner and advanced functionalities." It can answer questions, control vehicle functions, and respond individually to the correct person in the front seat. The displays change "moods" depending on the driving mode, with fiery, sharp graphics in the sport mode settings and blue, glowing shapes with the efficiency modes. There's also an individual mode that lets the driver set their preferred graphics and driving dynamics.
If the owner has a compatible smartphone, the My BMW app enables real-time information on tire pressure, fuel and battery charge information, and location data. Owners can lock and unlock the vehicle and start it if properly equipped. Owners can preset climate temperatures and configure memory seating from the app, and BMW delivers software update notifications that you can start remotely from the interface. Depending on the phone, the owner may be able to use it as a digital key, and some BMW models allow owners to share access with up to five other people.
The My BMW app also opens the door to various connected services, including a BMW concierge and online data for fuel prices, news, and weather. Owners can preset maps and driving destinations from their phones, and many BMW models come with an eSIM that you can activate on any cellular network. The app also lets owners view a 3D image of their vehicle when parked.
BMW made changes to iDrive for 2023, but the updates focus on information organization and system flow rather than substantive functionality changes. The automaker calls this a zero-layer approach, where data is "close to the surface," requiring only a tap or two to accomplish most tasks. The new interface uses widgets to achieve this, placing them in a single menu across the home screen. Owners can access music, contact lists, vehicle settings, and more directly from the home screen, and the graphics change with drive-mode selection.
The iDrive 8.5 system in 2023 typically runs on a dual-screen layout across curved displays. Currently running on Linux, the software will likely receive a significant update in 2024.
BMW has said that iDrive will shift to Google's Android Automotive, bringing more connected functionality. The interface includes Google Assistant, Maps, and other functions. It will eventually integrate artificial intelligence to give owners a more personal and straightforward experience. iDrive already has over-the-air updates, but it will expand its connectivity with more robust personal assistance features and concierge functions.
BMW's iDrive is a robust and mostly user-friendly infotainment interface. If you want to learn more about vehicles with iDrive or the other infotainment systems in the industry, head to the Shopping Guides section of the website.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, Your Test Driver, Autoweek, and others.
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