IDrive

2020s 2010s 2000s 1970s 1950s

About IDrive

iDrive is an in-car communications and entertainment system, used to control most secondary vehicle systems in late-model BMW cars. It was launched in 2001, first appearing in the E65 7 Series. The system unifies an array of functions under a single control architecture consisting of an LCD panel mounted on the dashboard and a control knob mounted on the center console. iDrive introduced the first multiplexed MOST Bus/Byteflight optical fiber data busses with a very high bit rate in a production vehicle. These are used for high-speed applications such as controlling the television, DVD, or driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, infrared night vision or head-up display. iDrive allows the driver (and, in some models, front-seat passengers) to control the climate (air conditioner and heater), audio system (radio and CD player), navigation system, and communication system. iDrive is also used in modern Rolls-Royce models, as Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, and in the 2019 onwards Toyota Supra is a collaboration between BMW and Toyota.