What is BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8?

Extending beyond a classic display and control concept, the BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8 takes on the integration of telematics and connectivity services ranging from data processing and handling, the coupling of terminal devices, the deep integration of 3rd party applications or projected modes through to the seamless inclusion of cloud-based services such as BMW Maps. Remote Software Upgrade, which was first introduced with the BMW Operating System 7 will be continued and continuously optimised.

What new features does BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8 have to offer?

BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8 is the most powerful and extensive technology stack that BMW has ever developed. It provides the foundation for the eighth generation and reinterpretation of BMW iDrive. With a new generation of displays, controls and software alongside especially efficient connectivity and data processing functionality, the BMW iDrive and BMW Operating System 8 creates the basis for an intuitive, personal, inspiring yet simultaneously emotional dialogue between human and vehicle.

When and in which BMW models will the new BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8 be introduced?

The launch of the BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8 will take place successively in all BMW vehicle classes. In 2021, the technology will first come into use in the BMW iX and then in the BMW 4.

What additional functionalities does the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant offer in my vehicle with BMW iDrive and BMW Operating System 8?

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the most important interface for communication with and operation of your vehicle with BMW iDrive and Operating System 8. As before, to reinforce the personal relationship between the digital companion and the vehicle occupants, you can give the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant an individual name of your choice, which can then use to call it up. The new visualisation using illuminated spheres of different size and brightness gives the assistant more scope and additional capabilities of expression. For communication with the driver, the optical display appears on the Information Display or the Head-Up Display and for communication with the front passenger on the right-hand side of the BMW Curved Display. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has also undergone further functional development. Thanks to an increase in the amount of underlying data and information, the digital assistant is not only more intelligent but also capable of reacting in a context-related manner. It is able to take account of the situation in the vehicle and its surroundings in determining when and how it communicates with the occupants. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also access an even higher number of functions in the vehicle. It masters the control of functions such as air conditioning, Ambient lighting, audio reproduction, side windows, shading of the Panorama glass roof as well as the switching of MyModes, the driver assistance systems and numerous others. Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes on the role of a vehicle expert and answers questions on the operation of functions, on check control messages, on the trip history or the vehicle properties. It also has access to information on points of interest, such as restaurants, parking options, shops and cultural venues.

What are the MyModes in my vehicle with BMW iDrive and Operating System 8?

Overall interplay between a wide range of functions during the journey allows the new MyModes in your vehicle with BMW iDrive and Operating System 8 to generate unique moments resulting from combination of vehicle properties and interior atmosphere adapted to the specific situation. The MyModes “Sport” and “Efficient” are preconfigured while the settings for the “Personal” mode can be individually programmed. MyModes can be activated in the vehicle by voice command (“Hey BMW, change to MyMode Efficient”) or via the MyModes controls.

BMW iDRIVE.

Based on a natural dialogue between driver and vehicle, BMW iDrive offers you a driving experience tailored to your personal preferences.

BMW iDrive lets you experience an entirely intuitive In-Car Experience. BMW iDrive brings together the BMW Operating System, a new generation of display and operating elements, and ultra-high-performance connectivity. Having the right information at the right spot directly on your BMW Curved Display transforms your car into a multi-sensory experience.

BMW iDRIVE WITH QUICK SELECT.

The evolution of the BMW Operating System gives you a user interface with intuitive quicklist, live widgets, and a touch- and voice-optimised operating system.

BMW interior User interface on BMW Curved Display

User inferface with QuickSelect.

The new user interface with QuickSelect is clear and intuitive. Its optimised menu structure with symbols, including the Home button at the bottom of the screen, takes you straight to the start screen or other frequently used menus, such as air conditioning, at any time. In the background, the navigation map or other individually selectable displays, such as My Modes, remain constantly visible.

BMW interior BMW Curved Display with widgets and My Modes background

Personalised and interactive with live widgets.

On the driver's side are live widgets that display key information at a glance – even before you open the app. Swiping vertically switches between widgets. They display information including the current vehicle status or weather. So now you can see what's important at a glance. The individually selectable features, such as My Modes, are always visible in the background.

BMW interior BMW Curved Display woman operates menu via touch

Intuitive to use by touch and voice control.

The design and menus are inspired by smartphones and systematically designed for touch and voice control. Widgets let you enjoy intuitive navigation by swiping. Touch control provides direct access to a function and configuration of further settings.

EXPERIENCE BMW iDRIVE WITH QUICK SELECT.

THE BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 8.5.

BMW interior man looking at BMW Maps on display with Operating System 8.5

The BMW Operating System 8.5 allows you to navigate all menus on one level by touch, voice control, or using the BMW iDrive Controller. And the start screen with QuickSelect is clearly and intuitively optimised for the BMW Curved Display. You can use icons along the bottom edge of the screen to go directly to the media, air conditioning, and main menus, for phone and navigation, or to return to the start screen at any time.

THE BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 9.

BMW interior BMW Maps on display with Operating System 9

The BMW Operating System 9 is just as easy, intuitive, and straightforward to use as the BMW Operating System 8.5 – by touch and voice control. You can also use many connectivity services and apps, such as navigation, phone, and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, for an unlimited period.

BRILLIANT DISPLAYS AND INTUITIVE OPERATING ELEMENTS.

BMW iDrive gives you the latest generation of display and operating elements. Enjoy a brilliant display and intuitive operation based on the new BMW Operating System.

BMW Curved Display.

The slim and frameless BMW Curved Display with touch and voice control is a real statement feature and, at the same time, your central interface with BMW iDrive.

BMW head-up display.

Keep everything in sight. The BMW head-up display projects navigation and driving directions directly into your field of view. You can now stay fully focussed on the traffic.

Multifunctional steering wheel.

Various, ergonomically arranged steering wheel buttons allow you to operate telephone, voice, and audio functions. You can also operate assistance systems, including Cruise Control, conveniently without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY.

BMW ConnectedDrive digital products and services offer you a wealth of useful functions, such as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. These smart and innovative features are designed to enhance your BMW iDrive experience.

BMW interior woman looks at BMW Curved Display

Personalisation through the BMW ID.

Make any BMW your own. Thanks to your personal BMW ID, every BMW knows your individual settings. Apart from the seat and mirror position, My Modes and the digital displays adjust to your previously defined preferences and needs.

BMW interior BMW Curved Display and steering wheel

BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades.

BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades keep your BMW up to date digitally. You now receive regular functional upgrades and improvements via Remote Software Upgrades. You can also flexibly book additional new, individual features and packages in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

Find out more about BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Always there for you: the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Use your natural voice to intuitively operate various vehicle functions or get information about the vehicle’s condition and the route. Your in-car digital expert is also happy to explain all the features of your BMW.

EXPERIENCE SELECTED FUNCTIONS OF BMW iDRIVE.

BMW iDrive Challenge Sightseeing G70 front-view two persons looking on BMW Curved Display

BMW iDrive Challenge cinema experience rear-view in front of cinema

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FAQ: THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON BMW iDRIVE.

What is BMW iDrive?
More than a classic display and operating concept, BMW iDrive integrates telematics and networked services, data processing and connects end devices. It also integrates third-party providers or smartphone integration, and seamlessly incorporates cloud-based services, such as BMW Maps. BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades and BMW Remote Software Upgrades are included in BMW iDrive.
What additional functionalities does the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant offer in my vehicle with BMW iDrive?
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the most important interface for communication with and operation of your vehicle with BMW iDrive. The visualisation using illuminated spheres of different size and brightness gives the assistant more scope and additional capabilities of expression. For communication with the driver, the optical display appears on the Information Display or the Head-Up Display and for communication with the front passenger on the right-hand side of the BMW Curved Display. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has also undergone further functional development. Thanks to an increase in the amount of underlying data and information, the digital assistant is not only more intelligent but also capable of reacting in a context-related manner. It is able to take account of the situation in the vehicle and its surroundings in determining when and how it communicates with the occupants. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also access an even higher number of functions in the vehicle. It masters the control of functions such as air conditioning, Ambient lighting, audio reproduction, side windows, shading of the Panorama glass roof as well as the switching of My Modes, the driver assistance systems and numerous others. Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes on the role of a vehicle expert and answers questions on the operation of functions, on check control messages, on the trip history or the vehicle properties. It also has access to information on points of interest, such as restaurants, parking options, shops and cultural venues.
When and in which BMW models will the new BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 9 be introduced?
The following BMW models have been produced with BMW Operating System 8.5 since July 2023: BMW 5 Series (G60), BMW 7 Series (G70), BMW iX (I20), BMW i4 (G26 BEV). The following BMW models have been produced with BMW Operating System 8.5 since August 2023: BMW X5 (G05 LCI), BMW X5 M (F95 LCI)[1] BMW X6 (G06 LCI), BMW X6 M (F96 LCI)[1] BMW X7 (G07 LCI) BMW XM (G09)[1]. Further BMW models from the mid-range, top, and luxury class will follow gradually. From November 2023, the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer models will be produced with Operating System 9. In some countries (e.g. Australia, Korea, United Kingdom, USA and Canada) selected BMW X1 models will be available with Operating System 9 earlier.
What benefits do the BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 9 boast?
The new BMW Operating Systems provide you with a start screen with intuitive QuickSelect quicklist, live widgets, and touch-optimised operation. Moreover, both systems allow access to additional entertainment offers such as Casual Gaming and video streaming.[2]
What do the BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 9 have in common?
BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 9 both have a new QuickSelect operating logic with a greater focus on the touch function of the BMW Curved Display and a modified display concept with a focus on the start screen. The control display permanently shows the start screen as a user interface. On the driver’s side, the screen displays vertically arranged widgets that can be selected by swiping. BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 8.5 as well as BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9 also provide an extended range of digital products and services, such as video streaming or gaming (depending on model availability).
Can BMW Operating System 8 or BMW Operating System 8.5 be upgraded to BMW Operating System 9 with optional BMW Digital Premium?
No. BMW Operating System 9 is based on a newly developed, system-specific hardware and infrastructure. It is not possible to change from BMW Operating System 8 or BMW Operating System 8.5 to BMW Operating System 9 or have it retrofitted.
What similarities are there between BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 8?
The range of digital services and apps is also available as factory-fitted optional equipment. Operation is possible by voice control with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or other voice-controlled assistants, or by touching the BMW Curved Display or, in some models, the iDrive Controller in the centre console. BMW Operating System 8 und BMW Operating System 8.5 inlcude a comprehensive integration of digital products and services.
What differences are there between BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 8?
The differences include a new operating logic with a focus on touch and voice control, and a modified display concept with a focus on the start screen as a permanently visible user interface.[1] A new menu bar at the bottom edge of the display includes the home symbol and further quick-access options, for instance to the air conditioning menu.[1] In addition, there is an extended range of digital products and services.
Is it possible to upgrade from BMW Operating System 8 to BMW Operating System 8.5?
Depending on the model and production date, only the following vehicles can be upgraded to BMW Operating System 8.5 via a Remote Software Upgrade due to the latest system-specific hardware and infrastructure being installed: BMW 7 Series (G70), produced from 07/2022; BMW iX (I20), produced from 03/2023; BMW X5 (G05 LCI), BMW X6 (G06 LCI), BMW X7 (G07 LCI), BMW X5 M (F95 LCI), BMW X6 M (F96 LCI), each produced from 04/2023.

BMW CONNECTED DRIVE: FURTHER INFORMATION & LINKS.

BMW ConnectedDrive overview woman with smartphone in front of BMW

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Want to discover more services and products from BMW ConnectedDrive? Click here to return to the overview.

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BMW CUSTOMER SUPPORT.

If you have any questions or need further information on the My BMW App or on BMW ConnectedDrive services and products, simply contact BMW Customer Support.

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