Get ready for touch screens and soft buttons. For years BMW has eschewed the touch-screen calling it more dangerous than an input like iDrive. However as consumers have become more used to touch devices automakers have thrown caution to the wind. And to has BMW. Reportedly the system will still be based on the iDrive controller but will allow for some operation via on-screen touch and gestures.

The interface design has also been simplified with a horizontal layout that fit well within BMW’s wide-screen approach and allows for easy scrolling of features and apps (expect more of those).

The new version of iDrive will debut in the G11 2016 7 Series. Look for it to find it’s way to the next generation 5 series before making it’s way to the rest of the G model line-up over the next 5 years.

Photo source: Paultan.org