Technology

BMW iDrive 8 breaks cover with an ambitious feature set

Ever since BMW teased its eighth-gen iDrive software at the latest CES, we haven’t been able to find out any more details. Today, the iDrive 8 debuts at last, packing a rather impressive feature set that would help it stand out amidst competition.

Voice commands are the centerpiece of the UI, with only select functions accessible via touchscreen. An intelligent personal assistant makes it easier for the car and its owner to understand each other, while a range of visual presentation modes ensure that most information can be delivered quickly and without using words.

In addition to the above, the iDrive 8 is a learning system that can memorize its owner’s preferences such as the comfortable temperature, favorite music, and air conditioning mode.

The BMW iX SUV will be the first production model to benefit from the new software, followed by the new i4.

Editor: Andrew Raspopov

March 16, 2021