What is iDrive?
The number of advanced driver assistance systems, communication and convenience functions with new capabilities is continually increasing in modern-day vehicles. That trend is set to continue at an ever growing speed, driven on by the digitization of electronic and communication technologies.
Conventional display and control systems are reaching the limits of their capabilities. The 700 or so control functions that are possible on the E65 would create a totally unmanageable conglomeration of switches, controls and displays if the conventional arrangement had to be used. iDrive redefines the concept of active driving and specifically, driver-orientated ergonomics.
This new control and display concept enables driver and passenger to access more information and functions in spite of the smaller number of buttons and switches. It lends a unique and intuitive feel to the process of controlling the E65, thereby increasing safety on the road as well as the pleasure of driving.
The name iDrive does not identify a specific system or component, it is a term which expresses BMW's trademark driver's-car image. The letter I in iDrive stands for the philosophy of the entire control and display concept:
- interactive
- intelligent
- innovative
- intuitive
- integrated
- informative
- inspired
The iDrive concept is divided into two sections:
- The "Driving Area" (steering wheel and immediately adjacent controls operated by driver only); all driver-operated functions are concentrated in the area immediately with in the driver's reach.
- The "Comfort Area" (in the middle of the dashboard) which gives both the driver and front passenger easy access to all convenience functions.