IDrive

iDrive is a computer system used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars. iDrive had its world premiere in 2001, debuting with the new BMW 7 Series (E65). iDrive unifies vehicle systems under a single control architecture for convenient use by the driver. The iDrive controls consists of a LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a controller knob mounted on the center console.

iDrive introduced the first multiplexed MOST Bus/Byteflight optical fiber databusses with 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 front-seat passenger (in some recent cars it is available to back-seat passengers as well) to control such amenities as the climate (air conditioner and heater), the audio system (radio and CD player), the navigation system and the communication system.

iDrive is also used in current Rolls-Royce models; as Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW. BMW also owns the Mini brand, and a pared-down version of iDrive is sold on those cars, branded as Connected.

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