Introduction - E65: Introduction: "iDrive"
The ever increasing number of functions and associated controls in cars makes it more and more difficult for the driver to concentrate on the essential activity of driving. "iDrive" groups functions into two clearly defined areas:
"Driving" and "Comfort" and by doing so simultaneously creates more space.
All functions related purely to driving are arranged within the "driving area" in the trademark BMW "driver's car" style. Behind the Multi-function steering wheel with Steptronic buttons an LCD instrument cluster provides the driver with all essential information.
Arranged around the steering column are the cruise control lever, the direction indicator/high-beam stalk and the automatic transmission selector lever which has been moved from its previous location on the center console.
On the left hand side of the instrument panel there is a switch for the Electro-Mechanical Parking Brake (EMF), the light switch and the trunk release button.
On the right there is the Park Distance Control (PDC) button, the Start/Stop button and the ignition switch with the slot for the remote control transmitter (instead of a key).
Finally, immediately to the left of the steering column is the adjuster "joystick" for the steering wheel and the button for the optional steering wheel heater.
The "comfort area" is positioned centrally in the dashboard and combines all convenience functions into one area for easy access by the driver or front passenger.
Clear grouping into frequently and less frequently used functions ensures that, on the one hand, an adequately wide range of adjustment options is provided according to need and on the other the number of controls remains manageably small.
The central element of the comfort area is the control display which is operated by turning, pressing or sliding the "controller" on the center armrest. All functions that do not necessarily have to be directly accessible (up to 700 of them depending on equipment level) are controlled by it.
Below the center air vents are the controls for the most important automatic air-conditioning functions. The CD and volume control is located underneath the air-conditioning control panel.