BMW recently introduced the advanced Panoramic iDrive X infotainment system. Its features are a trapezoidal central display and a thin screen stretched under the windshield from pillar to pillar. And this is probably where BMW will stop. Brand Development Director Frank Weber said that he would not succumb to the trend for cyclopean touch screens, calling them unnecessary and even dangerous.
The main screen of the latest generation iDrive complex is optimally large: its diagonal is 17.9 inches. BMW believes that this is quite enough. All new products will have such a display - both electric Neue Klasse cars and updated ICE models.
According to Weber, the larger screen will distract the driver from the road. In addition, it is not always easy for the driver to reach the far end of the too long touch screen to press the right button in the menu, he adds. Journalists from Motor Authority saw in his words a hint of Mercedes-Benz and its "hyperscreen", called Hyperscreen.
On the main monitor of the Panoramic iDrive X is the control of the most necessary functions, and it is located near the steering wheel. The narrow display can be adjusted once, and all the important information will be in quick access right under the windshield.
BMW recognizes the imperfections of large touch screens, but nevertheless reduces the number of physical buttons. Yes, iDrive got rid of the joystick for scrolling through the menu: now it can be controlled by voice. The complex will debut on the next-generation BMW iX3 crossover, the premiere of which should be this year.