BMW iDrive 8.5 Bringing a More Smartphone-Like Experience

BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment update is designed to mimic smartphones more than before.The updated operating system’s home screen will allows quicker access to functions and a more configurable layout.Starting this summer, iDrive 8.5 will be available on select 2023 models that include all EVs, the X5 SUV through the new plug-in-hybrid XM, and the 7-series.

The first iDrive system that debuted in 2001 on the E65-generation BMW 7-series included a control knob meant to mimic a computer’s mouse. The proliferation of smartphones over the past decade-plus has conditioned many people to pinch, poke, or swipe their fingers on a screen to make things happen.

BMW is in the business of giving consumers what they want, which is why the iDrive 8.5 infotainment update the company is releasing this summer will be more smartphone-like than ever. For select models that already have iDrive, the updated infotainment system will be available via production or an over-the-air (OTA) software update. The list BMWs includes the 7-series, the electric i4 and iX, the mid-size SUVs (X5, X6, and X7), and also the plug-in-hybrid XM.

BMW says iDrive 8.5 will have a home screen that’s designed to make smartphone-users feel more, well, at home. Along with clearly arranged functions, the updated infotainment system is said to have a menu structure that’s akin to, say, an iPhone. People using iDrive 8.5 will have the ability to customize and reconfigure the home screen.

The updated interface will also have fewer layers, meaning less menu diving, which should translate to fewer distractions. With iDrive 8.5, there’s a vertical section on the driver’s side of the infotainment screen that allows quick access to functions such as media, navigation, vehicle settings, and more. To return to the home screen, people can simple touch the “home” icon at the bottom of the display.

BMW

These newly introduced infotainment features coincide with BMW’s stated mission of prioritizing touch and voice controls. This philosophy further evolves with the introduction of iDrive 9, which will debut on the 2024 BMW X1. Unlike version 8.5, which uses a Linux-based operating system, the ninth installment of iDrive will feature Android software.

Unfortunately for those of us who prefer physical controls like those in the E65 7-series, the future of BMW’s iDrive looks knobless.

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Senior Editor

Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.