Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW iDrive 9 infotainment update previewed

The latest version of BMW’s infotainment system will launch later this year

BMW’s iDrive is one of the best established infotainment systems to come from any car manufacturer and it’s set to gain a comprehensive update. 

We’ll see the revised system on the 2 Series Active Tourer and X1 from November this year, with the rest of BMW’s model line up set to follow. BMW says its “Operating System 9” will be based on Android Open Source Project software and is in development now. 

BMW’s current iDrive system will receive an update before the next generation of software is launched, however. Labelled as the “8.5” system, it’s a revision of the iDrive 8 setup that most new BMW’s currently use. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The main purpose of the new update is to make it easier to access key features sooner on the curved display. BMW has developed a new home screen with “QuickSelect” to remove the need to enter submenus. The main climate control functions will still be operated via the touchscreen. 

The iDrive 8.5 system will be rolled out onto the firm’s larger models from July, with the 7 Series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7 and XM all gaining the new technology. 

Now read our review of the all-electric BMW i7...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front
News

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV

This Neue Klasse X concept showcases the design inspiration for next year’s Neue Klasse SUV
21 Mar 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
BMW and MG electric car adverts banned over ‘zero emissions’ claims
BMW i4 - front tracking
News

BMW and MG electric car adverts banned over ‘zero emissions’ claims

Advertising Standards Authority follows up its ban on misleading WLTP range figures with a new consumer-focused ruling on EVs.
7 Feb 2024
New BMW Neue Klasse SUV to open a “new era” for the brand in 2025
BMW Neue Klasse SUV spyshots - front
News

New BMW Neue Klasse SUV to open a “new era” for the brand in 2025

The all-electric SUV will mark a change in technology and design language for BMW
1 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024