BMW has introduced a full-width panoramic windscreen system for Neue Klasse cars
At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the BMW Group unveiled a new version of its iDrive in-car interaction system. Its most impressive element was BMW Panoramic Vision, a full-width display on the windscreen.
Here's What We Know
BMW Panoramic Vision is actually a next-generation Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects information from pillar to post on a black printed surface at the bottom of the windscreen. Some of the information is visible to all passengers. The most important data for the driver - such as speed or navigation prompts - appears in the field of view above the steering wheel. Other display elements in the centre and right-hand side can be adjusted via the central touchscreen.
BMW Panoramic iDrive at CES 2025. Photo: BMW
The system is complemented by the new optional 3D Head-Up Display, which displays driving assistance and navigation system information right in front of the driver's eyes. Key elements of BMW iDrive can be controlled via a touchscreen with matrix backlight technology ergonomically positioned next to the steering wheel. Selected content (widgets) can be transferred to BMW Panoramic Vision by swiping on the centre display. Up to six widgets can be placed.
BMW Panoramic iDrive: Navigation. Photo: BMW
The new multifunction steering wheel takes a BMW shy-tech approach, with corresponding buttons illuminated to highlight available functions. The steering wheel serves as the main physical control element and its buttons have haptic feedback and a textured surface, making them "extremely easy to find and meaning the driver can press them without taking their eyes off the road". The driving assistance functions are on the left side of the steering wheel, while the content management functions are on the right.
BMW Panoramic iDrive: BMW Panoramic Vision personalisation. Photo: BMW
Interestingly, in developing the new iDrive system, BMW engaged 3,000 users and analysed data from 22 million connected cars.
The new Panoramic iDrive will be available in all new BMW models from the end of 2025, regardless of segment or powertrain type. In other words, the system will appear in electric cars, hybrids and internal combustion engine vehicles.
Source: BMW