Customizable home screen simplifies the BMW iDrive interface

BMW will begin rolling out an updated version of iDrive (version 8.5) this summer that aims to make the interface system faster and more intuitive to use.

The main change is the introduction of a customizable home page on the infotainment screen. This will eliminate the need to enter sub-menus to access common functions, allowing drivers to focus on the road.

In addition, live widgets will be displayed in a vertical line on the driver side of the infotainment screen. These can be selected with a swipe of the finger.

When the driver or front passenger is finished using a function, a single tap on the home icon at the bottom of the infotainment screen will return them to the home screen.

BMW will begin rolling out iDrive version 9.0 in November. This next-generation version will be powered by Google's Android operating system (the current iDrive uses Linux) and will allow the home screen to be displayed on the infotainment screen at all times.

According to BMW, the new iDrive system will also allow for individually configurable graphics to be displayed on the infotainment screen as an alternative to the standard navigation map view.

iDrive 8.5 will be available on the 7 Series, iX, i4, X5, X6, X7, and XM starting in July. More models will follow, with version 9.0 coming to the 2 Series Active Tourer and X1 starting in November.