BMW has taken the automotive industry by storm with the unveiling of its latest iDrive system, which boasts a groundbreaking 3D heads-up display (HUD) that spans the entire windshield. The innovative technology, showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, promises to revolutionize the driving experience by providing drivers with real-time navigation and driver assistance information in a unique and intuitive way.

The new iDrive system, set to debut in the upcoming X-class SUV built on the all-electric Neue Klasse platform, eliminates the traditional gauge cluster in the dash in favor of a customizable digital version projected onto the windshield. According to Christian Bauer, head of digital and UX at BMW, the design shift aims to help drivers make quicker decisions while keeping their eyes on the road. "We've taken on a new perspective in designing the UX," Bauer explained. "Pushing the display closer to the street will help drivers make quicker decisions, which will make it easier to keep your eyes on the road."

The 3D HUD, dubbed BMW Panoramic iDrive, runs along the narrow black strip at the bottom of the windshield, stretching between the A-pillars. The display is fully customizable, allowing drivers to choose the information they want to see in their line of sight while driving. This includes speed, adaptive driving assistance information, stoplight and road sign information, navigation information, and state of charge. Unlike other HUDs, BMW's system is designed to be visible to both the driver and passenger, regardless of their angle.

In addition to the HUD, BMW has also integrated navigation and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features into the system. When using onboard navigation with driver assist, the path being followed turns green, providing a seamless and intuitive experience. According to Bauer, many of the features of the new HUD were developed in response to customer feedback, and the company is already offering some hands-off autonomous driving features on marked highways.

The windshield itself is not a specialty windshield and will not cost extra to replace if damaged. A special film on the windshield helps to make the 3D images appear crisp and clear, while the black print that the HUD is projected onto is the standard black print found on all other vehicles.

Beyond the HUD, BMW has also introduced a new rhombus-shaped center infotainment screen that offers a more customizable interface. Users can drag and drop "pixels," or apps, into a couple of main boxes on the home screen, making frequently used features more readily available. BMW plans to offer a BMW app store for the new UX, which could include paid apps for things like special lighting packages.

The company is leveraging edge AI to "learn" from customer behavior and offer relevant features based on their driving habits. For example, if a driver frequently takes a winding road home from work, puts the vehicle into Sport mode, and cues up their music app, those options will regularly pop into the center screen for easy access. BMW is also utilizing large language models to improve navigation, allowing drivers to use natural language to request directions, such as asking the system to take them to a charging station close to a grocery store.

In addition to the updated OS, BMW has also reimagined the steering wheel in the upcoming Neue Klasse. The new version features a single piece of plastic with multiple buttons that light up when the system is available and offer haptic feedback when pushed. Journalists were given a chance to experience an approximation of the HUD and use some of the haptic buttons on a VR rig in November, ahead of the CES announcement.

BMW's new iDrive system, UX, and interior setup are set to start appearing in its vehicles at the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in the company's approach to in-car technology. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, BMW's innovative solution is poised to set a new standard for driver experience and convenience.