The digital cockpit was also highlighted at the international media drive of the new X5 in Atlanta, United States, last week.
With content that can be customised and personalised, the new, fully digital BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control concept is said to focus more than ever on the driver.
Interaction with the vehicle through the various operating options has been further improved, especially in the area of voice recognition and gesture control.
For the first time, drivers and passengers will be joined by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an adaptive digital character that makes the vehicle even smarter and responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”.
Voice control with natural language understanding has been further improved and the range of functions available for BMW Gesture Control has also been expanded to include two additional gestures, bringing the total to seven.
Following in Tesla's footsteps, BMW's new Remote Software Upgrade function allows customers to perform over-the-air upgrades to ensure their vehicle is always up-to-date.
In future they will also be able to download additional vehicle functions and services at a later date. With the new BMW Cockpit, the brand is creating an even more personal, intelligent and consistent overall experience for its customers.
BMW Live Cockpit and BMW Operating System 7.0
The BMW iDrive Controller was introduced in 2001, marking a ground-breaking development in vehicle operation.
With its award-winning ID6, BMW set a new standard for in-car display and control concepts. The enhancement in BMW Operating System 7.0 is also reflected in the nomenclature and new way in which options are structured.
BMW Live Cockpit (as well as BMW Live Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional) refers to the three levels of hardware and basic functionality, such as the installed display cluster, navigation and entertainment system, available interfaces and technical requirements for operating options, like voice and gesture control.
The features at each level of the BMW Live Cockpit are adapted for models in the corresponding vehicle classes. BMW Operating System 7.0 refers to the software package and functionality of the new and fully digital display and control concept, which relies on the digital-only display cluster of BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Version numbering already hints at regular enhancements through remote software upgrades.
The digital design, which combines 2D and 3D graphics with animation, is tailored to the user’s needs. The aim is to focus the driver's attention according to the driving situation, and to always provide the relevant information.
Access to vehicle settings and functions is much easier and faster with a new and flatter menu structure. The combination of vertical lists and horizontal bars allows submenus to be accessed with fewer steps. Functions frequently used by the customer are clustered in the quick access toolbar.
The Info Display no longer replicates analogue circular gauges. These have been replaced by arced design elements that open towards the centre. Their shape and arrangement bring BMW’s typical “four-eyed” face from the front end into the interior.
Smarter layout
The new design opens up space in the centre of the Info Display for navigation content, with an orientation map showing the vehicle’s current position and relevant situational information for the rest of the journey.
Information on driver assistance systems is grouped together within the left-hand speedometer arc. In Comfort and Sport driving modes, the right-hand arc shows the engine speed; in ECO Pro mode, current fuel consumption and average speed are displayed instead.
Additional entertainment content can also be integrated into the right-hand arc. With a larger BMW Head-Up Display on the windscreen, all relevant content for the current driving situation is shown within the driver’s direct view of the road.
The design and graphic presentation of the entire display cluster, comprising Info and Control Display, as well as Rear-Seat Entertainment screens, is synchronised for a consistent look across all displays. For example, if the driving mode is changed from ECO Pro to Sport, the accent colour is switched from blue to red on all displays.
Up to 10 pages in the main menu can be individually configured. Page layouts with two, three or four pads (tiles) can be selected, with the content of the pads displayed in real time.
The customer can choose between communications, media/radio, clock, navigation, sports displays, route preview, traffic, position or driving information as content for the pads. The driver can use the selection button on the steering wheel to add additional content to the arc to the right of the Info Display as needed, including entertainment, fuel consumption and sports options, as well as a G-meter that displays the g-forces in effect along dynamic and winding routes.
