- iDrive
- BMW will withdraw the button from all models in the coming years.
- The 2027 iX3 is the first BMW with the latest infotainment system.
The iDrive dial has been a staple of BMW interior design since the 7 Series (E65) debuted in 2001. However, this is quietly disappearing. You may not have noticed it yet, but it has already disappeared from all compact models. Additionally, the 2027 iX3 ushers in an even simpler dashboard, essentially putting the final nail in the button’s coffin.
However, according to BMW, removing the traditional selector is not a problem. The company’s Senior Vice President of UI/UX Development says early feedback from those who tested the new iDrive Stephan Durach told it TechRadar at CES 2026 in Las Vegas that users who tried out the new iX3’s infotainment system are not asking BMW to return to the old setup that dominated interiors for more than two decades.
“After using the technology, no one asked us to return to the physical bubble.”
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Photo by: BMW
Like most automakers, BMW emphasizes that less is more by consolidating access to most functions within the touchscreen. Whether this is driven by minimalism, cost savings, or a bit of both, we will probably never know. What we do know is that iDrive
You better get used to the new user interface because it will come to your favorite BMW sooner or later. iDrive X will be spread across 40 new or facelifted models by the end of next year. Eventually, all except those nearing the end of their life cycle will move to the next-generation infotainment system. Relevant examples include the X4, Z4 and 8 series, none of which will receive direct replacements.
In addition to phasing out the traditional iDrive controller, the German luxury brand has another reason to believe that conventional controls are becoming outdated. BMW claims its next-generation voice assistant, powered by Amazon Alexa+, offers more human-like interaction, making conversations more intuitive when changing settings.
The few remaining physical controls in the 2027 BMW iX3
Photo by: BMW
Taking Motor1s: We will certainly miss the iDrive button and the physical buttons that give you access to frequently customized functions. In its relentless drive to declutter the interior and go all-digital, BMW has also eliminated the ability to adjust airflow via ventilation sliders, moving that function to the touchscreen. This omission, first seen on the iX and now on the iX3, won’t sit well with those of us who have reached a certain age and still prefer “old fashioned” controls.
I understand that screens in today’s technology-laden vehicles are a necessity. Having physical buttons for every function is wildly unrealistic and would make the interior of a car resemble the cockpit of an airplane. However, going to the other extreme is just as misleading. Reducing the reliance on touch input by offering physical shortcuts for some key functions would satisfy both the smartphone generation and older drivers. It’s all about balance…