BMW iDrive 9 OS coming soon; To run on Android

BMW is also expected to introduce the iDrive 9 on particular MINI models in the future.

BMW showcased a first glimpse of its next-generation infotainment system, the iDrive 9, at CES 2023.

The new OS will run on Android, with reports stating that the new X1 will transition to the new operating system in a couple of months. However, the next-generation BMW X2 will be the first model to get 'iDrive 9' from the factory.

Having said that, not all models in the BMW lineup are expected to get the iDrive 9 OS. Such models will be upgraded to the revamped iDrive 8.5 instead for the foreseeable future. Models like the latest-gen 7 Series and the upcoming 5 Series range will get the IDrive 8.5 OS, as these models run on a Linux-based system for which the coding is substantially different.

However, according to BMW, the functionalities of both operating systems will be similar, with the only disadvantage being that cars running on iDrive 8.5 won't get the Android App Store planned on the iDrive 9 OS. The revamped iDrive 8.5 will first debut on the upcoming 5 series and its all-electric i5 sedan, before being introduced on the 7 Series range later this year. Reports state that one other model which will receive the full Android-based OS will be the 2 Series Tourer.

BMW is also expected to introduce the iDrive 9 on particular MINI models in the future. Although, they will come with a slightly different visual interface to set them apart from BMWs. Reports state that the iDrive 9 OS will be content driven and will support 3D navigation and flexible touch layouts.

Source: BMWBlog