[stein_325i]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

The 2-series Active Tourer, you know, that one FWD BMW that no one likes and is sold in Europe, well suddenly that model just became a whole lot more important to the future of BMW.

Those of us on the forums all know one great aspect of BMW's cars is their great MMI system, iDrive, which uses a scroll-wheel based controller to use the system. Well, in spy shots of the new 2-series Active Tourer, it is clear that the iDrive controller appears to be going away in favor of an all touch screen system. Along with the controller, the 8-preset buttons as well as physical HVAC controls are also missing, as they can be seen to be implemented within the screen. While the interior remains unfinished, its clear from the screens that the future of BMW's iDrive will be radically different.

Here's some spy shots of the interior below.







Update: 10/5/2021
New leaked images confirm the 2AT will be the first iDrive equipped BMW to feature an all-touch MMI with no controller.

[Burrcold]

Wtf this looks like the new Golf's interior.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Wtf this looks like the new Golf's interior.

My first thoughts. From the shifter to the HVAC controls and tilted screen, pure Golf ripoff.

[heavyD^2]

It's mimicking the Mercedes & VW layout but I'm not sure this is evidence that it's going to be widespread. Could be more of a cost saver for entry level models.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

It's mimicking the Mercedes & VW layout but I'm not sure this is evidence that it's going to be widespread. Could be more of a cost saver for entry level models.

True, but with the rest of the industry going touch it is a possibility.

[Suds]

Touch systems don’t work, especially in M cars. I can’t hit the 10 buttons on the dash as it is now, especially when playing with the car.

[Germanauto]

Gosh that looks terrible. For some reason I was under the impression they were canceling this model.

I've only seen one or two of these any time I've been in Europe. But I haven't been to Germany.

[LOW4LYF]

I just remember as people been complaining about the first I Drive in the E6x... wasn't that long ago!

Time for a change...

[Mavus]

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...fety-concerns/

[swagon]

Not surprised. The vast majority of population, those that are not on the forums like us, BMW enthusiasts, will tell you that current BMW interiors look outdated compared to MB and Audi which have huge touchscreens. Buyers want the newest and flashiest thing for their 36mo lease period, they are not concerned about longevity and the fact that the current tech is going to get obsolete in just a few years.

I find BMW's controls very intuitive with the iDrive controller, physical buttons for HVAC AND a volume knob.

[spuntyb]

Probably. I mean, I prefer buttons too, but this is the way moving forward. Love all the buttons in our Macan. Like a 787 in there lol

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by swagon

Not surprised. The vast majority of population, those that are not on the forums like us, BMW enthusiasts, will tell you that current BMW interiors look outdated compared to MB and Audi which have huge touchscreens. Buyers want the newest and flashiest thing for their 36mo lease period, they are not concerned about longevity and the fact that the current tech is going to get obsolete in just a few years.

I find BMW's controls very intuitive with the iDrive controller, physical buttons for HVAC AND a volume knob.

+1

Absolutely love Bimmer interiors. When the macro buttons go away will be a very sad day...

[AUSf22]

I don't like using touch screens either, I guess if I ever buy this car or have this technology in the future, I'd be yelling at the idrive with voice command all day long. Or I'll be gesturing to it and look like a spastic for other road users.

Might even become friends with the car as I'll be talking to it and waving to it all the time

[Miko M]

Don't like the touch screen plus finger prints are all over

[keanu1]

May be the proof that BMW will Soon compete with vw , Ford , opel , Mazda , Toyota

[RinconHeat]

Did you guys know that this wonderful example of BMW minivan hell was brought to you by none other than Domagoj Ducek? Yup the guy who oversees the humiliation of BMW icons and design philosophy also made this awesome piece of BMW art.

[Megatr0n]

Reminds me a lot of the new 911. Specially that shift gear. I'm also getting a Mercedes look. They should of made the feature buttons like turning on sport plus out of little touch screens like the new AMG GT 4 door....I could get used to everything but I don't think I'll get over that Porsche 911 992 shift gear.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...fety-concerns/

Part of the appeal of digital systems should be the ability to apply OTA updates as software develops and improves. This gets more complicated the more physical buttons you have, so I can see why some manufacturers would want to migrate away from them. You could buy a physical car that ages, but gets upgrades and improvements via software over time, thereby prolonging the effective life of the vehicle. Obviously, there's a point of diminishing returns, but on paper it seems like a good selling point. However, other than Tesla, this hasn't really come to fruition. Digital displays simply become outdated and get redesigned with each generation of vehicle. Plus, to your point, it seems to weaken the safety profile of a car if the UI is completely new every few years, never mind the loss of physical controls.

[BSquared+]

Yea, that's it. Make me take hands off the wheel more often to reach for a touch-screen!

How sensible, how safe! NOT

[MilehighM3]

I don't base my opinion of all interiors off a test mule of the cheapest looking vehicle in the lineup.

Those worried about fingerprints should worry more about washing their hands 🤣

[FCBayernFTW]

Mercedes already does this screen setup. :

[Teutonic]

Mercedes copy-paste much?

BMW late lacks of imagination is scary! Really!

UGLY!