Video Hands-on With BMW iDrive X & its Panoramic Vision

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Today BMW is taking the wraps off our first glimpse of its in-car future – and it’s panoramic. The reveal of iDrive X and its stunning Panoramic Vision signals more than just an upgrade. It’s a revolution in how drivers will engage with their BMWs in the years ahead and we’ve had a chance to go hands-on. And if history is our guide, we’ll eventually see it in MINIs as well.

BMW invited BimmerFile to one of its secret bunkers to showcase a massive version of the new iDrive X and Panoramic Vision. We then had the chance to go hands-on with it through a virtual reality experience, sitting inside a Neue Klasse interior buck. Here’s what we found.

Set to debut in the upcoming Neue Klasse models, iDrive X will reshape the in-car experience by making it safer, more personal and much more powerful.

BMW has long defined the benchmark for automotive infotainment, and iDrive X continues that legacy by blending cutting-edge technology with driver-focused simplicity. At the core of this system lies BMW Panoramic Vision – an expansive display that stretches across the lower portion of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar. Imagine critical driving data, navigation cues, and personalized widgets seamlessly projected just below your line of sight. For the driver, this means eyes stay locked on the road, while passengers share in the experience.

What’s even more interesting is that the Panoramic Vision isn’t embedded in the windshield but is instead powered by four high-definition, short-throw projectors. This means the windshield simply features an opaque black band onto which content is projected. And before you worry about it obscuring the driver’s field of view, BMW has thought of that too. They’ve lowered the dash where it meets the cowl to align with the bottom of the windshield, mirroring the design of current BMW models.

In left-hand-drive models, essential driving information appears directly above the steering wheel, creating a 3D effect that makes the interface feel alive. What’s more, drivers can swipe widgets from the central display directly onto the Panoramic Vision – a subtle but transformative feature that dissolves the boundaries between screens. It’s not just an evolution of head-up displays – it’s a reinvention of the cockpit itself.

And for those craving even more immersion, BMW’s optional 3D Head-Up Display (HUD) adds layers of depth and visual feedback. Navigation arrows, driver-assistance prompts, and contextual data hover in your field of vision, giving you all the information you need without pulling attention from the road.

The Backbone: Operating System X

Underpinning all of this is BMW Operating System X, a powerhouse of in-house development based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) technology. This system isn’t just faster – it’s future-proof. With over-the-air updates and upgrade capabilities, BMW ensures that vehicles equipped with iDrive X will stay at the forefront of technology for years to come.

“High tech meets highly intuitive operation,” says Frank Weber, BMW’s Head of Development. The goal? Make digital interfaces feel second nature – as simple as turning a dial but with the potential of a smartphone. Operating System X achieves this by combining voice recognition, touchscreen functionality, and steering wheel controls into one seamless ecosystem.

The Four Pillars of iDrive X

BMW’s new interface is defined by four core components:

1. BMW Panoramic Vision – A sweeping display providing drivers with essential data at a glance, ensuring focus never wavers.

2. 3D Head-Up Display – Projects advanced driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

3. Central Display – A tactile, high-resolution touchscreen placed strategically for quick access and ergonomic ease.

4. Multifunction Steering Wheel – Featuring BMW’s signature “shy tech” buttons that offer haptic feedback, allowing drivers to interact intuitively without ever taking their hands off the wheel.

This convergence of physical and digital controls embodies BMW’s mantra – “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.” Core driving functions remain analog, but infotainment, navigation, and personalization now live in the realm of digital sophistication.

Tailored for the Driver

Customization sits at the heart of iDrive X. Drivers can arrange widgets, personalize ambient lighting, and even upload images as display backgrounds. Through My Modes, they can fine-tune the vehicle’s steering response, throttle sensitivity, and overall driving characteristics to match their mood or the road ahead.

But it’s the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that brings the experience to life. Enhanced with A.I. and large language models (LLMs), it processes complex, natural language commands. A simple request like “Find me a charging station near a coffee shop” triggers a sequence of intelligent, real-time results. The assistant doesn’t just respond – it anticipates, learning from the driver’s habits to offer timely suggestions and reminders.

This degree of personalization transforms the vehicle into an extension of the driver’s preferences and lifestyle. BMW isn’t just selling a car; they’re offering a canvas for individual expression.

As we explored in my earlier review of BMW’s Panoramic Vision on BimmerFile, this technology redefines the driver’s relationship with the machine. At the time, I was struck by the seamlessness of the system – how it felt natural, unobtrusive, yet deeply integrated into the act of driving. Experiencing the production brings it to life with all of the functionality that you’d expect.

Look for iDrive X to make its way to every new model in BMW’s portfolio starting late this year.

iDrive X Gallery

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