BMW iDrive: The Next Generation Episode 2013 (Gallery)

BMW ConnectedDrive has been setting the pace in the field of automotive connectivity for many years now, and is renowned for forward-looking in-car concepts and technologies that maximize customer benefit. The new functions mark another milestone in the BMW ConnectedDrive success story and once again demonstrate how the BMW Group is striving to retain its status as the leading innovator in this area. (Click Read More to Continue)

Not so way back playback - 2008 iDrive Gen 2 Prototype

Back in 2008 BMW created an interior prototype to show off the 2nd generation iDrive using the E83 2008 BMW X3 as the base car. We thought we should share these images to see how far we have come in BMW Driver interfaces, have a look at the rest of the images after the Jump.

SIRI goes from iPhone to iDrive

Apple's has just unveiled the all new iOS6 during the The 2012 Apple WWDC (developers conference) keynote presentation which just concluded, and why is this important on our BMW centric blog?

You probably already guess it from our title picture, a new feature called "Eyes Free" will officially integrate Siri functionality into cars. BMW being one of the eight manufactures to adopt this feature will allow you to keep your hands on the steering wheel while using your phone. 

Siri can be called upon with the existing BMW voice command button located on the steering wheel, you can speak with Siri through BMW's existing voice command system in languages covering 60 countries including English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Korean, Mainland Mandarin, Taiwan Mandarin and Cantonese.

BMW Driver Interaction Technologies Preview

Set in the backdrop of 1980's electronic music, here is a technology preview video from 2011 showcasing the black panel and iDrive concept driver interaction interfaces. PREH is an automotive supplier to BMW and other various German marques, this video features a dashboard design concept from 2007 IAA so some of these technologies featured is currently available in most BMW 2012 models such as Black Panel Instruments and the new iDrive Controller. The (F25) 2014 BMW X5 will feature a touch pad feature located on the top of the iDrive controller, this touch pad allows you to use your fingers to swipe through menus or to input navigation addresses naturally as you would and of course you may choose to input address or navigate through menus the traditional way as well.

Concept BMW i8 technologies

Here is a fantastic video showing the technologies behind the BMW i8 Concept Car, we particularly like the part featuring the future iDrive system with Navigation which makes you feel like you are in Tron mixed with Blade Runner! (A Video by Supercar Hall and BMW Media)