After 7 controversial years, iDrive is now in it's second iteration. The system, which is already on the road in the new 7-Series and updated in the 3-Series and 1-Series, will be forthcoming across the entire BMW lineup. BMW is proud of this very fact; that the same system powers all the vehicles in it's lineup offering a level of cohesiveness in the brand which is unmatched at this time. To date, there are over 2 million cars sold using the iDrive system.
The new system began development in 2002, just one year after the launch of the original iDrive. The system went through various stages of development which included cockpit models, two concept cars, and prototype cars equipped with various iDrive elements for real world testing. Additionally four sites were established in the USA, Europe and Asia for further testing which eventually encompassed over 500 test participants.
What did the participants actually do? BMW established certain driving situations, such as having to make a left turn, and asked the subjects to perform an iDrive related task as well. BMW fine tuned its systems based largely around these situations in order to optimize the overall system. For example, subjects were asked making a lane change while using the navigation system.
However, BMW didn't solely rely on these subjects for its system. It also took each task and compared it to the original iDrive system to make sure it was shorter in duration on the new system. They also made direct comparisons to various car-control systems from rival automanufacturers. BMW ultimatly wanted the user to be able to perform any given task while "blind", without actually looking at the screen; the way it should be.
BMW keenly aware that user tactile feedback is a large part of the user experience went to task with the actual iDrive controller knob. Based on biomechanical research the tactile and haptic feedback of the controller were modified to bring it as close to a computer mouse as possible. Surrounding the knob are four buttons which represent short-cuts to the most used iDrive functions, think of it as an F-key on your keyboard. These "shortcut" keys are also seen on the steering wheel as well.
Finally and thankfully, BMW decided to up the ante on the screen which now measures 10.2" or 8.8" with a stunning 1280x480 resolution.
The new iDrive sounds like an amazing piece of equipment with less focus on being "gadgety" and much more focus on brining alot of the components of the car together in a truly functional piece of equipment. The new screen will take care of the "gadgety" part
