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. 

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...

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.

Recommended

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 Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023
Hands off: BMW 7 Series to gain Level 3 autonomous driving
BMW 7 Series front cornering roundabout
News

Hands off: BMW 7 Series to gain Level 3 autonomous driving

Next level of autonomous driving will allow 7 Series drivers to edit emails and stream videos
10 Nov 2023
2024 BMW i4 almost ready to take the fight to new Tesla Model 3
Facelifted BMW i4 - front tracking
News

2024 BMW i4 almost ready to take the fight to new Tesla Model 3

Our first look at the updated i4 suggests BMW’s electric exec could soon be revealed
4 Oct 2023
UK buyers can now get BMW's 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids
BMW 530e - front quarter
News

UK buyers can now get BMW's 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids

BMW’s pair of plug-in 5 Series models add more options to growing range
27 Sep 2023

Most Popular

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023