logo
New Delhi
Home
News & Reviews
Videos
New Cars
New Bikes
Used Cars
Sell Car
Articles
Car services

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

CES 2021: BMW Teases New-Gen iDrive

The new system neatly bridges the gap between analogue and digital technology. And this, in turn, heralds another paradigm shift, as the number of available functions in a car and their complexity continue along a constant upward curve
Ameya Naik
Ameya Naik
1 min read
2021-01-12 22:48:25
Follow us on
CES 2021: BMW Teases New-Gen iDrive

It's been 20 years since the first generation of BMW iDrive made its debut. Now, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2021, BMW is announcing the next chapter in its display and operating system, which is set to transport driver-vehicle interaction into a new digital and intelligent age. This of course will be an initial preview and it will be officially unveiled later in 2021.

The BMW iDrive operating system introduced for the first time in the then new BMW 7 Series in 2001 swept away old habits and purged the cockpit of the growing number of buttons and controls. In their place came a colour screen in the instrument panel (the Control Display) and a rotary dial on the centre console (the iDrive Controller). This multifunctional system allowed drivers to control a large number of vehicle settings, entertainment, navigation and telecommunications functions with a single operating tool. In addition, the BMW 7 Series was the first car to feature voice control technology, which allowed selected functions to be activated using spoken commands.

m8e24j7g

iDrive controller and voice control made operating the car's systems significantly easier and safer. Where the driver previously had to find and engage a different dedicated button in the cockpit for each individual function, now they could keep their hand in one place on the Controller, which occupied an ergonomically ideal location on the centre console. The various functions could be controlled using standard rotary, pressure and shift movements. And the driver could view the information on the Control Display - integrated into the centre of the instrument panel at eye level - equally quickly and safely; they only needed to divert their gaze from the road for a short moment to check the operating status of systems. Over a period of just a few years, this innovative principle morphed into the new industry standard. A host of other carmakers adopted the combination of display and controller, as this was the only way to harness the ever-increasing array of functions inside their models.

BMW iDrive also paved the way for the introduction of digital services, which have enabled a consistent progression of the relationship between user and car. The first development stage of the system brought the BMW Online service into BMW cars. Integration of the Google search engine followed in 2007, before BMW became the first vehicle manufacturer worldwide to unlock unlimited in-car internet access the following year. In response to the boom in smartphones - and the digital applications developed specially for them - apps from third parties could also be integrated into the BMW iDrive operating system from 2012.

8sa5v0b8

The connection between the vehicle and driver became even closer in 2016. The BMW Connected app now allowed customers to fully integrate their car into their digital lifestyle. Destinations inputted into a navigation app could be imported directly from a smartphone into a BMW, while information on the status of the car was also accessible on a mobile phone or other digital device. This service now offers an even wider range of functionality via the My BMW app.

The next generation of BMW iDrive takes the burgeoning relationship between a BMW and its driver to a new level. The new system neatly bridges the gap between analogue and digital technology. And this, in turn, heralds another paradigm shift, as the number of available functions in a car and their complexity continue along a constant upward curve. Digital intelligence has been introduced into cars, optimised sensors now allowing them to perceive and analyse their surroundings. As a result, elements of driving and parking can be automated to an increasing degree. And cloud-based services dip into a growing pool of real-time data.

This means that, in many situations, the vehicle has access to a greater supply of information than the driver. For example, it can receive and display hazard warnings from other BMW vehicles and make predictions on the availability of parking spaces at a destination. Developments will continue in this direction, presenting the car's display and operating system with fresh challenges now and in the future. The next-generation BMW iDrive is set up to utilise the potential of an intelligently connected vehicle more extensively than ever and so make the mobility experience even safer, even more comfortable and convenient, and even richer in variety.

# BMW# Consumer Electronics Show# BMW iDrive# CES 2021# CES
  • Overview
  • Highlight

Related News

Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
1 min read
Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
0 mins read
Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
2 mins read
KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
5 mins read
Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
1 min read
2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
2 mins read
Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
Yamaha MT-15, Fascino & Ray ZR Get New Colours And Graphics For 2024
1 min read
Yamaha MT-15, Fascino & Ray ZR Get New Colours And Graphics For 2024
MG Hector Blackstorm Launch On April 10
1 min read
MG Hector Blackstorm Launch On April 10
BMW Group India Reports Over 51% Growth In Q1 2024 Car Sales, At 3,680 Units
1 min read
BMW Group India Reports Over 51% Growth In Q1 2024 Car Sales, At 3,680 Units

Research More on BMW

placeholder
Variants
Images
Colours
*Ex-Showroom Price

Popular BMW Models

  • Tata Harrier EV
    Tata
    Harrier EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 21.49 - 30.23 Lakh
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Volkswagen
    Golf GTI
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 50.13 Lakh
  • Kia Carens Clavis
    Kia
    Carens Clavis
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 11.1 - 20.76 Lakh
  • Lamborghini Temerario
    Lamborghini
    Temerario
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6 Crore
  • Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    Volkswagen
    Tiguan R-Line
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 45.73 Lakh
  • Mercedes-Maybach SL 680
    Mercedes-Maybach
    SL 680
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 3.92 Crore
  • BYD Sealion 7
    BYD
    Sealion 7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 48.9 - 54.9 Lakh
  • Kia Syros
    Kia
    Syros
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.69 - 16.03 Lakh
  • Hyundai Creta EV
    Hyundai
    Creta EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 18.02 - 24.38 Lakh
  • Lotus Emeya
    Lotus
    Emeya
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 2.34 Crore

Upcoming Cars

  • placeholder
    Explore Other Topics

Trending News

  • All-Electric BMW i5 M60 Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Launch
    1 min read
    All-Electric BMW i5 M60 Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Launch
  • BMW Neue Klasse X Electric SUV Concept Images Surface Online Ahead Of March 21 Debut
    1 min read
    BMW Neue Klasse X Electric SUV Concept Images Surface Online Ahead Of March 21 Debut
  • BMW M3 MT Final Edition Unveiled: Last Manual M3 For Japan
    1 min read
    BMW M3 MT Final Edition Unveiled: Last Manual M3 For Japan
  • BMW Recalls Eight Units Of The 2024 X5 and X7 SUVs
    1 min read
    BMW Recalls Eight Units Of The 2024 X5 and X7 SUVs
  • BMW, Rolls Royce Recall Over 79,000 Cars In The USA Due To Brake System Malfunction
    1 min read
    BMW, Rolls Royce Recall Over 79,000 Cars In The USA Due To Brake System Malfunction

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Nov 26, 2024
    Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    1 min
  • Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    car&bike Team | Nov 22, 2024
    Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    0 mins
  • KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 25, 2024
    KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    2 mins
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | May 20, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    5 mins
  • 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Yashraj Singh | May 16, 2024
    2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Despite a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, Quartararo reaffirms his commitment to Yamaha, citing belief in their new approach and potential for success
    1 min
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | Apr 9, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 29, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 28, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    1 min
  • Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    Dhruv Attri | Mar 28, 2024
    Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    The XC40 Recharge’s single motor variant is nearly Rs 3 lakh more affordable than the AWD version. But what’s the catch?
    4 mins
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    The new Royal Enfield Himalayan now joins car&bike’s long term fleet. Over the next few months, we will tell you how the motorcycle holds up to the rigours of daily riding, highway jaunts, off-road riding and much more.
    2 mins
  • Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    The legacy of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has a new challenger in the Jawa 350. But which of these modern classic 350s with iconic nameplates is a better choice for you? We try and find the answer.
    2 mins
  • Home
  • News
  • Cars
  • CES 2021: BMW Teases New-Gen iDrive