BMW changes its infotainment system again. Although Idrive 8/8/85 and Idrive 9 are still relatively new, it will not be long before the 2026 IX3 is the first model that contains iDrive X. This prototype from this prototype is also clear that upcoming dashboards are subjected to significant changes in order to meet the new setup. The focus is on a large touchscreen of 17.9 inches. But why is it so angled?
During a test connection in the Miramas of the company in southern France, we spoke to Carl Frederic Cohrssen, the head of customer management, the user interaction and the experience of BMW. He explained that the inclination of the screen to the driver serves a functional purpose: access to frequently used functions is on the left side of the display. This placement makes it easier to reach the infotainment system, since your right hand naturally rests near the screen.
Despite the abundance of characteristics that are packed in the system, navigating iDrive X will not contain diving through endless submenus. BMW says that it has rely on the customer feedback to optimize the interface and reduce the number of screen blinds. However, the climate controls are now fully integrated into the touchscreen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDH6HXGIK5E
But not everything has hiked on the screen. The steering wheel still houses numerous buttons and there are several physical controls between the seats. While a large part of the prototype interior was covered, BMW left some important buttons uncovered. The controls for the parking brake, the hazard lamps and the front and rear defrostern are visible together with a volume dial. You will also see a small equipment voter, but the start/stop button has disappeared.
In addition, the driver’s door retains conventional window and mirror switches as well as locking/unlocking buttons. You can also see the stems behind the steering wheel, the proof that digitization has not eliminated every control of the old school. But yes, screens have largely taken over. Although the digital instrument cluster has disappeared, it was replaced by the panoramic view vision, which extends over the right side of the dashboard.
The last camouflage pieces will cede at the beginning of September when BMW officially unveiled the production-ready IX3 “NA5” on the IAA mobility show on the IAA mobility show in Munich.
