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 i5 given more range as brand eyes up 2025 update blitz
BMW i5 - front full width

BMW i5 given more range as brand eyes up 2025 update blitz

The German brand is introducing an array of upgrades in March, including improvements to the i5 and additions to the 2 Series Gran Coupé line-up
News
10 Feb 2025
New BMW iX1 and iX2 Shadow Editions bid for the small SUV spotlight
BMW iX2 Shadow Edition - front 3/4

New BMW iX1 and iX2 Shadow Editions bid for the small SUV spotlight

A top-spec Shadow Edition trim has been added to BMW’s smallest electric SUVs, with extra kit and racier styling
News
6 Feb 2025
New BMW M3 takes to the ice as electric super-saloon begins testing
BMW M3 Electric - front 3/4 tracking

New BMW M3 takes to the ice as electric super-saloon begins testing

Eagerly awaited all-electric model could be called the iM3, based on a recent trademark filing
News
22 Jan 2025
Car brands with the most recalls: BMW tops the UK recall chart in 2024
BMW 530e - front cornering

Car brands with the most recalls: BMW tops the UK recall chart in 2024

Did you receive a letter alerting you to a potentially dangerous car fault? Here are the car brands that sent the most out
News
17 Jan 2025

Most Popular

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month
Jaguar I-Pace - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month

The I-Pace shows how good an electric Jag can be. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 February
News
7 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts