BMW has confirmed that the ninth-generation iDrive (iDrive 9.0) infotainment operating system will be making its debut in 2023 – just two years since the iDrive 8.0 system was launched.
According to a report by Autocar UK, the new iDrive 9.0 software will forgo a Linux-based operating system for an Android-based package, which BMW says will enable faster and more seamless operational capabilities.
The iDrive 9.0 system will launch in the second-generation BMW X2, before being rolled out to other BMW models. It’ll feature a new “content-driven” interface that replaces the existing tile-based home screen, alongside updated touchscreen and voice-based functionality.
There will also be a new app store function, which will take advantage of the 5G connectivity capabilities for faster downloads, in addition to over-the-air software updates. Other refinements will centre around digital air-conditioning controls, which have reportedly been extensively reworked and simplified.
Aside from the X2, Autocar says that the iDrive 9.0 operating system will also be introduced to the all-new BMW X1 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Both of these models have already removed the iDrive controller in the centre armrest, which could be a hint of what’s to come in the next-generation software.
However, according to BMW Group senior vice president of electronics and software, Cristoph Grote, the iDrive controller – which has been part of every new BMW since 2001 – will still continue to be present on other upcoming BMW models.
Mini models due for launch in 2023, including the new hatchback and a production version of the Aceman concept, will also receive the new iDrive 9.0 system, albeit with a Mini-specific interface.
For the current BMW models with iDrive 8.0, a software updated dubbed iDrive 8.5 will be delivered via over-the-air updates to provide a similar interface and functionality to the upcoming iDrive 9.0 operating system, but without the new app store function.
