The Next BMW iDrive Will Debut In The 5 Series

BMW will debut an updated iDrive 8.5 operating system in the next-generationBMW 5 Series, internally called the G60, which is slated to begin production this July as a 2024 model. The first production examples are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in late 2023. The German automaker's Senior Vice President of Connected Company Development and Digital Experiences, Stephan Durach, confirmed the latest iDrive news to gathered media at CES in Las Vegas.

What about iDrive 9? It's also coming but Durach toldCarBuzzit will debut first in something smaller. "Expect iDrive 9 to debut with our compact cars, specifically Minis, the nextX1, and X2. 8.5 will be in the new 5 Series later this year." The reason why theG60 5 Serieswon't have iDrive 9 at launch is that BMW prefers to release the next-generation software in smaller vehicles rather than more expensive models.

BMW says this strategy allows it resolve any issues that may arise in models that sell in fewer numbers. Flagship-level and pricier vehicles like the 5 Series simply have a higher bar. iDrive 9 will also be the first BMW operating system that will be entirely Android-based. Up until now, iDrive systems, including 8.5, have been Linux-based.

iDrive 8.5 will look similar and have a lot of the same functionality as 9, though there is one key exception: owners won't have access to the app store. Some of the features iDrive 9 will include are 3D navigation and flexible touch layouts. To compare, the currentiDrive 8boasts a column-based controller and optimized layout.