BMW Previews Its New Digital Instrument Cluster And Infotainment System

BMW has held its “Digital Day” which provides a glimpse at the some of the technologies that the company is working on.

One of the most notable things shown off at this year’s event was an all-digital instrument cluster which features a larger display and new graphics. As you can see in the images, the display has a fuel gauge and speedometer on the left as well as a tachometer and coolant gauge on the right. The display also has a large central area which can be used to show navigation data.

BMW declined to go into specifics but the instrument cluster will soon find its way into production models as previous spy photos have shown the display in the 7-Series, 8-Series and X7.

Besides the digital instrument cluster, BMW showcased the next-generation of their infotainment system. Unimaginatively called BMW Operating System 7.0, the system has a clearer layout and structure as well as more intuitive operation.

The system has been designed to meet a “user’s individual requirements more closely” and it promises to provide the right information at the right time. As an example, BMW says the infotainment system will show a parking map when a driver is about to reach their destination.

Users will be able to access the infotainment system through touch, voice and gesture control as well as the traditional iDrive controller. The company also said we can expect the system to provide ten menu pages which can be customized to suit a driver’s tastes.

In other news, BMW says it is ready to embrace 5G connectivity as the mobile standard will allow high-speed connections which can be used to stream HD quality video as well as update HD maps. Unfortunately, the technology won’t be available in production models for several more years.

While BMW has been offering vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology for awhile, the automaker will introduce an improved system later this year. The newest version of the technology promises to make traffic jam reports even more specific as it will notify drivers about instances of emergency braking. The system will also display “requests from the police to keep a corridor free for emergency vehicles.”

Other highlights from the event included a showcase on how the company is using mixed reality to speed up development as well as displays highlighting the company’s use of 3D printing to make components for the i8 Roadster and MINI Yours Customized program.