BMW at CES 2025: Windshield Widgets & New UI

BMW Revolutionizes In-Car User Interface with Panoramic iDrive

BMW is undertaking a complete overhaul of its in-vehicle user interface, beginning with the Neue Klasse sedan later this year and eventually extending to its entire model lineup, as revealed at CES 2025.

While certain elements will appear familiar, the core innovation lies in a widget-based system enabling extensive user customization of the layout – even projecting information onto the car’s windshield.

Windshield Projection Technology

The system doesn’t utilize a traditional display directly on the windshield. Instead, screens integrated into the dashboard project onto a specially treated area of the glass.

This represents an enhanced iteration of a concept previously explored in other vehicles, distinguished by BMW’s unique design approach.

“We observed that users are only leveraging a small portion of the potential functionalities a vehicle offers,” stated BMW CTO Frank Weber in an interview with TechCrunch during the event.

Balancing Functionality and Driver Focus

BMW’s objective was to broaden the scope of in-car UI capabilities without overwhelming drivers with excessive screens, a trend seen among competitors. This led to the development of the windshield projection technology, an idea cultivated internally for approximately ten years.

Weber emphasized that positioning information on the windshield, within the driver’s line of sight to the road, aligns with BMW’s commitment to delivering the “ultimate driving experience.” He differentiated this approach from simply adding “another screen.”

bmw’s new ui puts widgets on the windshield at ces 2025

Panoramic iDrive: Final Production Version

While BMW previously showcased the Panoramic iDrive to media, notably in April, the current unveiling at CES 2025 presents the finalized production-ready version, according to Head of BMW Group Design Adrian Van Hooydonk.

Despite the innovative windshield projection, BMW retains a central touch screen display on the dashboard for climate controls, navigation with a 3D map, and a selection of customizable widgets.

An optional head-up display is also available, positioned in front of the driver and complementing the panoramic UI.

The End of iDrive Knob

The transition to Panoramic iDrive signifies the discontinuation of BMW’s iconic, yet divisive, knob-based iDrive system.

Weber noted that after over two decades, the iDrive knob is infrequently used by most drivers, primarily for tasks like navigating extensive contact lists or adjusting map zoom levels. He further stated that drivers in China do not utilize the knob at all.

New Control Methods

With the removal of the iDrive knob, BMW drivers will interact with the Panoramic iDrive UI through a combination of haptic steering wheel buttons and voice control.

The voice control system will be powered by a new BMW digital assistant, utilizing a white-label Large Language Model (LLM).

“Our aim is to provide drivers with more readily accessible information, directly in their field of vision, supporting a driving style that prioritizes keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” Weber explained. “Consequently, we are reducing the number of physical buttons.”

App Support and Data Control

The new UI will support third-party applications, and BMW will continue to offer Apple CarPlay compatibility, unlike some competitors.

“We maintain complete control over the interface to ensure deep integration with the car’s functions,” Van Hooydonk stated. “While we will integrate Apple CarPlay and other systems where applicable, we aim to retain control over core vehicle functions and customer data.”