Aside from introducing a brand's reimagined design language, concept vehicles are often known for showcasing an automaker's newest and most innovative technology. Such is the case with BMW's full-windshield head-up display, known as Panoramic Vision. This all-encompassing tech feature debuted on the BMW I Vision Dee concept at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Expect it to become available on the next generation of pure-electric BMWs, with production starting as early as 2025.
The Panoramic Vision system is a new way of communicating critical information to both driver and passengers. This full-windshield head-up display projects information onto the lower section of the windshield. It includes advanced functionalities that BMW says will dramatically change the user experience.
Panoramic Vision differs from standard head-up displays in that critical information, such as the vehicle's speed, will project onto a darkened section at the base of the windshield. Secondary details projected onto the windshield's clear section above join this primary information, including other driver-assistance alerts or navigation system graphics.
The widescreen format may include touch-sensitive sensors on the instrument panel that BMW calls the Mixed Reality Slider. On the concept car, BMW located more controls for the system on the steering wheel. Five selectable modes allow the driver to pick how much information they see on the display.
BMW has yet to specify which features shown on the I Vision Dee will make their way to production. All information appears digitally on the windshield with the concept vehicle version of Panoramic Vision. In contrast, the production Panoramic Vision will likely be more of a raised lip built-in display across the bottom of the windshield.
Ultimately, the production version of this technology may have a different arrangement and operating protocol, but the overall approach should resemble that of the concept vehicle. BMW aims to see that "a natural and emotional relationship between human and machine is developed."
Ultimately, the new technology offers new options for the design of future models. "Whether the driver selects whatever information they want to show in their own field of view, or that all occupants can see the complete material," said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Development at BMW AG. "The innovative projection and substantially more clearly constructed cockpit provide a remarkable new sense of space and driving."
One of BMW's central premises in converting the windshield into a widescreen projection surface is to allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road at all times. According to the automaker, the result is a safer and more surefooted driving experience focused on attention and awareness of the road.
"The windscreen becomes a single large display with our new BMW Panoramic Vision, opening up completely new possibilities for the design of our vehicles," said Weber. "The driver decides which information they want to display in their field of vision, or that all occupants can see the entire content. The revolutionary projection and the significantly more clearly structured cockpit give an impressive new feeling of space and driving. We are taking our proven 'eyes on the road – hands on the wheel' commitment to a new level."
To that end, visibility and clarity are essential for this innovative projection technology to operate at its fullest potential. BMW Panoramic Vision shows information relevant for the driver and passengers with higher light intensity. It contrasts onto a dark-coated area at the windscreen's lower edge. This creates a sharp image that is always visible across the entire width of the windshield.
BMW has been a pioneer in head-up displays. Yet, where the technology has typically been a supplementary display, BMW Panoramic Vision will likely become the primary source of information. This could dismiss the traditional set of dials that have come to define the interior of BMW's model line.
On-board computers with digital displays first appeared in the BMW 7 Series in the 1980s. The first BMW iDrive in 2001 reduced the number of switches and buttons like no other control system before, creating a modern, uncluttered interior. The first series production of BMW head-up displays followed shortly afterward. The Panoramic Vision system is the next level.
BMW is known for envisioning and creating driver-oriented cockpits for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Hence, its tagline as the Ultimate Driving Machine. The new BMW Panoramic Vision system continues that story.
Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek. Her work has also appeared in AutoTrader.
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