[SaMaster14]

Also, while I understand the grille comparison, that's a feature that is outside of the car, can be modified or changed, and is a style point. The screens/iDrive8 are a part of the car that the driver will be interacting with 99% of the time they are in the car, versus a stylistic choice on the exterior of the car.

Just playing a bit of devil's advocate!

[vj123]

Originally Posted by sJohnny

People that have never seen it or used it complaining that's it's ruined the car and brand, how they won't buy one, the downfall of BMW styling, old models with be worth more, etc

But 12 months from now, when it's out in the wild, people are going to change their minds and maybe even start to like it.

People complained about the front grille before launch but got used to it pretty quick but the iDrive 8 update is totally different. One is purely cosmetic and the other one is functional & you need to live with it on a day to day basis.

Integration and interface in a G80 is going to be very similar to the one in a i4 and you can sit in one to get a feel of it. If it was just a design change with ipad like screens, i might have got used to it in a year. But removals of physical buttons is a deal breaker for most people.

[maverick618]

I don't think comparing to the grille is accurate.

The infotainment system is a huge part of interacting with the car. The grille has impact only on aesthetic. Touch only interface has a lot of drawbacks for the user.

Further, the grille has intentional design features that integrate with the rest of the cars aesthetic. The idrive8 screen looks to be quite literally stuck on the dash with no concern for the rest of the interior's design intent.

This is a cost reduction for bmw, end user be damned

[Slv]

Adding on that, 90% of the time the grille is not my problem. Personally, I chose the car despite the grill. There are simply no other choices on the market that checked as many boxes for me.
The glass skateboard plastered through half of the dash is my problem 90% of the time. Loosing physical buttons is a functional disaster. I was bent on getting Audi S5 (now sold with the horrible, fume-spewing diesel in EU) until I discovered they got rid of the MMI knob and everything is on touch screens.
Having some experience with VW and Volvo I have to say that minimalistic design of a touchscreen appeals to me, but function of touchscreens is severely limited when driving on a highway. Distracting yourself to fumble for proper spot on the screen can be a costly mistake.

[Vinnrox250]

Originally Posted by maverick618

This is a cost reduction for bmw, end user be damned

You hit the nail on the head.

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by maverick618

I don't think comparing to the grille is accurate.

The infotainment system is a huge part of interacting with the car. The grille has impact only on aesthetic. Touch only interface has a lot of drawbacks for the user.

Further, the grille has intentional design features that integrate with the rest of the cars aesthetic. The idrive8 screen looks to be quite literally stuck on the dash with no concern for the rest of the interior's design intent.

This is a cost reduction for bmw, end user be damned

Comment was made to say, there are aspects of a car (e.g ext aesthetic, interior aesthetic, functionality, etc) that buyers can tier from most to least important when deciding to purchase the car.

To me those screens are significantly less appealing than the grill.

I absolutely agree that it's cost cutting which at a $70k+ price point is a little ridiculous.

Still hoping it's an optional "tech package" upgrade so BMW can squeeze some more cash out of those that want it…I highly doubt it that's the case though, but fingers crossed…

[vj123]

Even BMW's Interior Design Head is not a big fan of these screens.

Head of BMW i Interior Design Matthias Junghanns had plenty to say on the matter. "Is it the big screen that counts? I'm personally convinced that these black glass surfaces in the car interiors are... we will leave that behind, sooner or later," said Junghanns.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-po...on-the-way-out

[You Drive]

[Former-Mopar]

That is kinda ugly.

[Vinnrox250]

Those pictures look to be of an i4, or something else electric. (Blue start button & blue around BMW logo on wheel). The lack of a shifter is also odd as current i4 has a normal shifter.

[madpistol]

I think it works. It's a very clean look.

[MassComp]

Is the new big iDrive 8 screen (right half) a touch screen....and can be controlled by the center console dial as well?

[snareman]

Originally Posted by MassComp

Is the new big screen (right half) a touch screen....and can be controlled by the center console dial as well?

yes.

[Vinnrox250]

Originally Posted by MassComp

Is the new big screen (right half) a touch screen....and can be controlled by the center console dial as well?

From what I have seen on ID8 videos and i4 videos, yes. Touchscreen and iDrive knob. Keeps temp on screen but to get to fan speed and seat temp you have to click on screen.

[MassComp]

So now with the new big dash screen, my 2023 will have a place to store my Winter gloves & hat....behind it!

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by MassComp

So now with the new big dash screen, my 2023 will have a place to store my Winter gloves & hat....behind it!

I was planning on hiding my weed back there.. 😎

The cops would never check..


J/k

[SW19]

Originally Posted by Vinnrox250

Those pictures look to be of an i4, or something else electric. (Blue start button & blue around BMW logo on wheel). The lack of a shifter is also odd as current i4 has a normal shifter.

Those pics are from the new i3 China only 3 series fully electric car.The car doesn’t come with a traditional gear shifter.

[Forzanerazzurri]

The difference between the grille and the screen is that the grille is likely to be a feature that ages well and the screen is one that will age poorly. Technology never ages well, controversial exterior styling sometimes does (bangle era cars) and I'm certain the grille on the current M3 will as well.

[MarineRaider]

I had these dual screens and augmented reality navigation....two years ago in a AMG CLA45. I liked it except that the steering wheel blocked a fair portion of the screen so I was looking around the wheel.
Augmented reality Navigation is nifty but it is one more thing to distract you as you are looking at the screen to verify if you are indeed seeing what is out in the real world. I prefer a HUD and CP.
I won't be getting it as I already have a M3 which I love but screens are here to stay so we might as well get used to them. I love technology so if I was getting a new M car I would embrace it.

[top-down]

Originally Posted by You Drive

Attachment 2877188

What the actual hell the top of the two screens don't even line up.

In FL I live on the A/C and fan buttons. Early in the morning windows are down with the A/C off, but once the sun comes up the top of the fan button is poked like I'm playing galaga on it.

[Patsfan1997]

Originally Posted by You Drive

Attachment 2877188

Attachment 2877189

Attachment 2877190

Attachment 2877191

OMG that is friggin' ugly! I really don't feel like looking for another car right now. But if that's what it will look like, with the kickstand, bolted-on look, and no more buttons, then I might have to cancel my order. Downer.

[g80_zayd]

There is someone on this forum who saw the M4 CSL which I believe is going to be a MY 2023? And that car has idrive 7. I really don't see why BMW would add idrive 8 so soon. I guess we will find out soon