{"id":84033,"date":"2025-10-21T19:43:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=84033"},"modified":"2025-10-21T19:43:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:43:12","slug":"bmw-idrive-controller-end-future-idrive-x","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=84033","title":{"rendered":"Will We Miss the iDrive Controller?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"quick-links\">\n<div class=\"quicklink-container\"> <noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/themes\/wpdevel\/assets\/images\/quicklink.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"quicklink-icon\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20210%20140%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/themes\/wpdevel\/assets\/images\/quicklink.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload quicklink-icon\"\/> <strong>In This Article<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For more than two decades, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2024\/12\/26\/bmw-idrive-evolution\/\">iDrive controller has been part of BMW\u2019s identity<\/a>. It started as a controversial idea, but over time became second nature to millions of drivers. The rotary knob let you navigate menus and adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road. It was simple, mechanical, and efficient \u2014 something you could operate by feel alone.<\/p>\n<p>Now, that era is ending.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"controller\">The First Look at BMW\u2019s Controller-Free Future<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05.jpg\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-504833\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 NEUE KLASSE INTERIOR05\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-830x554.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 with no iDrive controller\" width=\"830\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-1535x1024.jpg 1535w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-504833\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 NEUE KLASSE INTERIOR05\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20554%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-830x554.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 with no iDrive controller\" width=\"830\" height=\"554\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-1535x1024.jpg 1535w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior05.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>BMW has been preparing us for this moment for years. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2023\/09\/27\/bmw-x1-ix1-2-series-active-tourer-idrive-9-november-2023\/\">X1 and iX1 lost their controllers first<\/a>, followed by the X2, iX2, and the new 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2025\/06\/11\/2026-bmw-ix3-first-drive-review-neue-klasse\/\">new BMW iX3<\/a>, though, is the real turning point \u2014 the first major model to fully commit to a controller-free future. The iDrive controller is gone. In its place comes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hvDKbwPxjHE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iDrive X<\/a>, the next generation of BMW\u2019s infotainment system. It\u2019s quicker, cleaner, and smarter than before. More importantly, it\u2019s designed around voice and touch.<\/p>\n<p>Behind the scenes, BMW has integrated several large language model systems (LLM) from different providers. The result is a voice assistant that\u2019s far more capable than previous versions \u2014 faster to respond, better at understanding context, and able to interpret natural speech rather than memorized commands. You can now ask the system to perform multi-step tasks, bring up menus, or adjust functions without needing to scroll or tap through submenus.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"idrive\">The Real Reasons the iDrive Controller Is Out<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01.jpg\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-504829\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 NEUE KLASSE INTERIOR01\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-830x623.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 interior design\" width=\"830\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-830x623.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-1365x1024.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-504829\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 NEUE KLASSE INTERIOR01\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20623%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-830x623.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 interior design\" width=\"830\" height=\"623\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-830x623.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-1365x1024.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-neue-klasse-interior01.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>By now, you\u2019ve probably already heard that BMW has officially said goodbye to the iDrive controller. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2025\/09\/05\/bmw-ix3-idrive-controller-replaced\/\">The decision was confirmed to BMWBLOG<\/a> earlier this year during our exclusive look at the new iDrive X interface and the iX3 in July. When we asked whether BMW ever considered keeping the rotary controller, the Panoramic Vision display expert didn\u2019t hesitate: \u201cThe haptic controls on the steering wheel completely replace the iDrive controller.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At first, that seemed like an oversimplification. The controller has been central to BMW interiors since its debut on the E65 7 Series in 2001. But as the presentation went on, it became clear that the company had carefully thought through the change.<\/p>\n<p>According to BMW, there are markets where the controller was rarely used \u2014 and even in regions where owners did use it, it was typically only while parked. \u201cWe wanted something that they could use while driving,\u201d the expert explained, \u201cand putting it on the steering wheel is ideal in that case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That rationale aligns with what we heard again from BMW\u2019s CES team earlier this year: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2025\/01\/11\/bmw-explains-why-idrive-controller-dead\/\">most owners simply don\u2019t rely on the controller anymore<\/a>. Internal data shows usage declining sharply over the last few model generations.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"panoramic\">Meet The Panoramic Display<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-505680\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 BLACK SAPPHIRE 06\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-830x553.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 Panoramic Display\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-505680\" title=\"2026 BMW IX3 BLACK SAPPHIRE 06\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-830x553.jpg\" alt=\"2026 BMW IX3 Panoramic Display\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-bmw-ix3-black-sapphire-06.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There are also design and software reasons. The iX3 and other Neue Klasse-based cars introduce a new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2025\/09\/10\/bmw-panoramic-vision-vs-big-screens\/\">Panoramic Display<\/a> that merges driver and infotainment functions. Controlling that through a single rotary dial would require cursor-style navigation, by jumping from the main screen to the windshield display, adding steps rather than removing them. The steering wheel\u2019s haptic buttons now allow direct input for the Panoramic Display, while the 17.9-inch main touchscreen and enhanced voice control handle the rest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor an iDrive controller, everything needed to be in a list,\u201d our BMW guide explained during that July session. \u201cNow, we are much more flexible.\u201d That flexibility is key to iDrive X \u2014 the interface combines vertical and horizontal layouts, widgets, and layered menus designed for touch and voice rather than scroll-wheel navigation.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"costs\">More Than Just a Cost Decision<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-501408\" title=\"IDRIVEX BMW 00\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"IDRIVE X in the BMW iX3\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-501408\" title=\"IDRIVEX BMW 00\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20467%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"IDRIVE X in the BMW iX3\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/idrivex-bmw-00.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s tempting to assume BMW deleted the controller purely to cut costs. Removing hardware certainly saves money. But BMW insists this isn\u2019t the motivation. The company\u2019s studies indicate that owners increasingly prefer the touchscreen and voice assistant. Many of BMW\u2019s newer apps and third-party integrations aren\u2019t optimized for rotary input anyway. With iDrive X, customizing widgets, switching layouts, or adjusting functions is simply faster by touch.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-504958\" title=\"BMW IDRIVE X AIRFLOW FUNCTION 00\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"The airflow controls are now digital in the new BMW iDrive X\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-504958\" title=\"BMW IDRIVE X AIRFLOW FUNCTION 00\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20467%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"The airflow controls are now digital in the new BMW iDrive X\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bmw-idrive-x-airflow-function-00.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Even HVAC and climate settings are easier to handle now than in iDrive 8.5 or 9. BMW says drivers prefer using the screen or voice to change temperature and airflow. Gesture controls are also being phased out due to low adoption and the new voice assistant\u2019s speed and accuracy.<\/p>\n<p>Ergonomics played a role, too. The main screen is now closer to the driver, positioned at a comfortable reach from the wheel. During our early demo sessions, it never felt like a stretch to operate \u2014 literally or ergonomically. But we will test it a bit more over longer timelines.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"living\">Living With iDrive X<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-493921\" title=\"bmw-idrive-x-06\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"iDrive X screen\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-493921\" title=\"bmw-idrive-x-06\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20467%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-830x467.jpg\" alt=\"iDrive X screen\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-830x467.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-1820x1024.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bmw-idrive-x-06.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve spent time with iDrive X on several occasions since June, and it\u2019s clear this system represents a major leap forward from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2023\/04\/20\/bmw-idrive-8-5-demo-video\/\">iDrive 8 and 8.5<\/a>. It responds faster, understands natural speech, and executes more complex commands. Tasks like adjusting the temperature, changing ambient lighting, or opening deeper menus are now nearly instant.<\/p>\n<p>Still, there\u2019s an adjustment period. The first few times I drove cars without the controller \u2014 like the X1 and X2 \u2014 I instinctively reached for it out of habit. But after a few days, I found myself navigating quicker through voice and touch alone.<\/p>\n<p>There are a few things I\u2019d still prefer to have physical controls for, like vent direction, though BMW does offer three automatic presets for airflow. And while the interface encourages exploring menus, it\u2019s best done when stationary. The good news is that voice commands can now surface deeper settings that previously required digging through submenus.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"picture\">Is There A Bigger Picture?<\/h3>\n<p>Love it or loathe it, the future of car interiors revolves around screens. BMW\u2019s direction reflects how consumers interact with technology today \u2014 intuitive, conversational, and AI-assisted. The iDrive controller\u2019s removal isn\u2019t about removing a legacy feature; it could be about paving the way for the next era of in-car computing. Will that be the right approach? Time will only tell, especially since some automakers are once again rethinking the buttonless world in their cars.<\/p>\n<p>Do I miss the iDrive controller? In a way, yes. BMW had finally perfected it before retiring it. But after spending time with iDrive X, I can see why it had to go. The new interface is faster, cleaner, and more flexible \u2014 and it\u2019s ready for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll all adjust at our own pace. Some will miss the tactile feedback, others will embrace the seamless integration of touch and voice. But there\u2019s no denying that this shift marks a new chapter for BMW.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In This Article For more than two decades, the iDrive controller has been part of BMW\u2019s identity. It started as a controversial idea, but over time became second nature to millions of drivers. The rotary knob let you navigate menus and adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road. It was simple, mechanical, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84033","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=84033"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84033\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=84033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=84033"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=84033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}