BMW will replace the on-board screens with the Panoramic iDrive system in the BMW iX3

We are in the middle of a “screen war” in the automotive industry. Some brands are equipping their models with large screens to display the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Others have decided to downplay large screens and turn them into a practical but not indispensable tool for controlling certain vehicle systems.

BMW has spoken on the matter and commented that “screens distract users from the road“. This means they do not see screens as practical either, but rather as a potential driving hazard. Will BMW eliminate screens from its models? The short answer is “NO”, but there is a longer answer.

BMW uses a dual-screen system, for the instrument cluster and infotainment, joined in a single curved display. But changes are coming to the cabin, and they have to do with screens. These will be seen in the next generation of the BMW iX3, so we will not have to wait long to see them.

The new system chosen by BMW is the Panoramic iDrive, which was shown at the recent CES in Las Vegas. This system offers all the information on a large central screen, but the instrument cluster is displayed differently. It uses a very narrow panoramic screen that spans the full width of the vehicle, right at the base of the windshield.

On this screen, the instrumentation is shown in front of the driver, and it can also host up to six widgets, out of the 22 available in principle. If the driver wants a more minimalist design, they can remove two segments of the screen, those located in front of the passenger. To control it, they can use the central screen or the controls that will be placed on the steering wheel, closer at hand.

In principle, it will be installed on this model and will gradually reach the rest of the brand’s models. The screen size may vary between models, but depending on the brand, it will be more practical and useful.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW iX32 versions · from 62,900 €