CES 2025 showcase of BMW panoramic idrive
Debuting at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the BMW Panoramic iDrive is said to be the visionary driving and user experience of the near future. Panoramic iDrive redefines how drivers experience technology on the road. At its core is BMW Panoramic Vision, a full-width windshield display that merges critical information into the driver’s natural line of sight, delivering a seamless, user-focused interface that blurs the line between physical control and digital intelligence. Its unveiling reveals the brand’s next innovation of the highly anticipated Neue Klasse, although also debuting across all new BMW models by the end of 2025.
In an interview at CES 2025, Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, describes the evolution of the BMW Panoramic iDrive to designboom: ‘This is the actual production user interface, design, and layout for the Neue Klasse. I believe it is a very big change. It not only cleans up the interior but also is still very driver focused.’
BMW debuts the Panoramic iDrive at CES 2025
all images courtesy of BMW
evolution of BMW’s driver experience
At the heart of the BMW Panoramic iDrive is the BMW Operating System X, a dynamic software platform that combines powerful personalization with unparalleled functionality. As the intelligence hub, it transforms static controls into an adaptive ecosystem responsive to user behavior. Its modern, clean design acts as a scalable canvas that evolves with continuous updates, reflecting both the aesthetic and technological DNA of WBM’s future vision.
Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President UI/UX and Connected Company Development, emphasizes this dual nature to designboom: ‘It is an evolution and revolution at the same time. The system is all new, but it is very familiar as the way to answer the phone, for example, works as before. We looked at our user database to be very sensible on how to get rid of redundancies, clean up the user interface, and develop a better system than ever before.’
the new system reimagines the brand’s mantra of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’
pillar-to-pillar digital driver display
BMW Panoramic iDrive integrates four design innovations: Panoramic Vision, a 3D Head-Up Display, a central display, and a multifunction steering wheel. Panoramic Vision projects driving essentials from A-pillar to A-pillar, eliminating the need for drivers to look away from the road. Above it, the 3D Head-Up Display adds navigation and autonomous driving information, delivering depth and clarity. Together, these displays set a new standard for intuitive interaction.
drivers can configure Panoramic Vision layouts, set interface themes, and sync ambient lighting to reflect their mood
The central display, enhanced with matrix backlighting and QuickSelect for intuitive navigation, anchors physical interaction with the system. Positioned within easy reach, it allows content to flow effortlessly into Panoramic Vision via a swipe, enabling continuous visual engagement. Meanwhile, BMW’s shy-tech multifunction steering wheel hides its controls until needed, illuminating buttons and providing haptic feedback only when relevant. This tactile, eyes-free experience transforms steering into an intelligent command center.
‘We have been working with shy-tech for a while, but in Panoramic iDrive, we have taken it a few steps further. The different, clean materials create a more living than driving environment. on the steering wheel shows how the technology can present itself to the user when needed, rather than be in their face,’ mentions Adrian.
its design includes the Panoramic Vision, 3D Head-Up Display, central display, and a multifunction steering wheel
Reimagining the brand’s mantra of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’, the BMW Panoramic iDrive seamlessly blends analogue and digital control further than the shy-tech on the steering wheel. Haptic switches handle essential functions like turn signals and wipers, while touch and voice commands manage more advanced features. The result works in perfect harmony, embodying ergonomic elegance and technological precision.
