Here’s A First Look At BMW’s Fancy New Digital Instrument Cluster

It will most likely be offered in high-end models like the 7 Series facelift, 8 Series, and X7 first.

The long-awaited reveal of the M2 Competition may be the talk of the day, but it wasn’t the only announcement from BMW. As part of its “Digital Day” showcasing BMW’s future technologies, the Bavarian automaker has also provided an early look at its next-generation display instrument cluster, which will most likely be rolled out in higher-end models such as the 7 Series facelift, 8 Series Coupe & Convertible, and the X7 SUV initially, before being rolled out in lesser models.

Dubbed BMW Operating System 7, the clearer digital display can now show a section of the navigation map alongside individually selected content based on the driver’s preferences. BMW says the display cluster has been redesigned to seamlessly blend with the Control Display in the center console and has been “designed around the user’s individual requirements more closely than ever.” BMW says the new infotainment system will display the relevant information to the driver at the right time. For example, the system will show a parking map when the driver approaches a destination.

Furthermore, the central display has been better optimized with more intuitive touch controls and visualizes content in real time on up to ten configurable main menu pages, each containing between two and four pads. The simplified menu structure enables easy access to all settings and functions, without having to sift through endless submenus. As well as the touchscreen, functions can also be accessed with an iDrive controller, voice control, or gesture control. As part of the event, BMW also announced it will be embracing the future 5G mobile standard, which will improve vehicle connectivity thanks to faster data transfer.

This will allow videos to be streamed in HD and update HD maps, but the technology won’t be available in production models for several years. The automaker will also introduce improved vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology later this year to improve safety by sending real-time hazard warnings of accidents or extreme weather conditions. BMW promises this will also make real-time traffic jam reports more specific by notifying drivers about instances of emergency braking. It will also display “requests from the police to keep a corridor free for emergency vehicles.”