2021 CES: BMW showcases next-gen iDrive infotainment system

KUALA LUMPUR: A lot is happening at this year's Consumer Electronic Show, the biggest being the introduction of the next-gen iDrive infotainment system by BMW. The said unit will first grace the dashboard of the BMW iX that'll go on sale later this year.

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When asked to comment on the latest iDrive system, Frank Weber, BMW AG, member of the board management said,“There is no user interface in the industry that can be operated as easily and safely as our new BMW iDrive.”

In the BMW iX, the iDrive system will be linked to the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen - both part of the full-width single, curved glass piece. With its ability to connect the car with the outside world, it aims to make the overall mobility experience safer, comfortable, and convenient.

Coming to the aesthetics, the all-new BMW iDrive infotainment system showcases a vibrant design that before. Also, it is not too radical, making it easy for users to understand its functionality.

Powering it is the tried and tested BMW Operating System 7.0 and the gestures and personal voice assistants are also carried forward. If you think that like its contemporary, BMW will shift from buttons 7 knobs to touch, then no, as the rotary dial is very much present.

Furthermore, the iDrive Infotainment system will be a combination of AI and sensors, thus allowing for a more proactive and personalised dialogue between the car and the driver. Speaking of which the driver will have greater access to information than before.

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