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BMW’s new UI puts widgets on the windshield
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, German luxury car brand BMW has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its in-car user interface, introducing a revolutionary widget-based system that will be available for all of their models by the end of this year. The revamped UI, dubbed Panoramic iDrive, is being rolled out initially with the Neue Klasse sedan and then gradually incorporated into every other model line.
The company’s top brass have emphasized that their vision is to keep users engaged in a more seamless and intuitive way while also maintaining hands-on control over the vehicle at all times. To achieve this, BMW has integrated its digital assistant with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology powered by a white-label language model.
This AI-driven digital assistant will not only provide voice commands but also allow for voice-to-text functionality as well. The new UI system is designed to be highly connected and intuitive, ensuring that drivers’ focus remains on the road ahead while they utilize various functions offered by BMW’s innovative design.
In another significant change, users of Panoramic iDrive will be able to access a wide range of third-party apps directly from within the vehicle. To further enhance user experience, BMW has announced its decision not to abandon Apple CarPlay support and will maintain compatibility with this technology.
The absence of physical buttons is also an essential component of Panoramic iDrive. Instead, steering wheel controls and haptic feedback provide the primary means for users to control the UI.
A notable aspect is that BMW’s new digital assistant can handle more functions without having access to customer data.
Source: techcrunch.com
