A detailed look at the evolution of the iDrive system at BMW: From CCC to iDrive 8.0

Since its introduction in 2001 on the 7 Series (E65) , BMW's iDrive system has evolved significantly, going through several generations to meet the growing demands of drivers for connectivity, user-friendliness and performance.

Each of these generations, from CCC to iDrive 8.0, has brought notable improvements, both in terms of hardware and software.

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Here are the different versions of the iDrive system installed on BMWs since 2003.

1. CCC (Car Communication Computer)

Year of introduction: 2003 | Models concerned:

• 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88)
• 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
• 5 Series (E60/E61)
• 6 Series (E63/E64)
• 7 Series (E65)
• X5 (E70)
• X6 (E72)

The CCC marked the beginning of the iDrive era. Launched in 2003, it featured an 8.8-inch LCD screen and used DVDs to store map data. Its use of the Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary centralized control system.

Minor updates, such as CCC - Update 1 and CCC - Update 2, have brought incremental improvements.

2. CIC (Car Information Computer)

Year of introduction: 2008 | Models concerned:

• 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88)
• 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
• 5 Series (E60/E61)
• 6 Series (E63/E64)
• 7 Series (E65)
• X1 (E84)
• X3 (F25)
• X5 (E70)
• X6 (E71)
• Z4 (E89)

The CIC , launched in 2008, brought substantial improvements, including higher screen resolution and increased responsiveness. Internet support and the use of an internal hard drive for data storage opened up new possibilities, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of the iDrive .

3. NBT (Next Big Thing)

Introduction period: 2012 | Models concerned:

• Series 1 (F20/F21)
• Series 2 (F22/F23)
• 3 Series (F30/F31)
• 4 Series (F32/F33/F36)
• 5 Series (F07/F10/F11)
• 6 Series (F06/F12/F13)
• Series 7 (F01/F02/F03)
• X3 (F25)
• X4 (F26)
• X5 (F15/F85)
• X6 (F16/F86)
• i3
• i8

The NBT continued the rise of iDrive with an even larger screen and increased storage capacity. The introduction of handwriting recognition and gesture controls added a dimension of intuitive interaction, reinforcing BMW's commitment to innovation in the driving experience.

4. NBT EVO (Evolution)

Introduction period: 2016 | Models concerned:

• Series 1 (F20/F21)
• Series 2 (F22/F23)
• 3 Series (F30/F31)
• 4 Series (F32/F33/F36)
• 5 Series (G30)
• 6 Series (F06/F12/F13)
• Series 7 (G12)
• X1 (F48)
• X2 (F39)
• X3 (G01)
• X4 (G02)
• X5 (G05)
• X6 (G06)
• i3 (ID6.0)
• i8 (ID6.0)
  

The NBT EVO , introduced in 2016, brought significant changes to the operational logic of iDrive . The introduction of touch interaction and improved connectivity with Connected Drive services propelled the system to new heights of user-friendliness.

5. iDrive 7.0

Introduction period: 2018 | Models concerned:

• Series 1 (F40)
• Series 2 (F44)
• Series 3 (G20)
• Series 4 (G22)
• 5 Series (G30)
• Series 6 (G32)
• Series 7 (G11)
• Series 8 (G15)
• X3 (G01)
• iX3 (G08)
• X4 (G02)
• X5 (G05)
• X6 (G06)
• X7 (G07)
• Z4 (G29)
  

iDrive 7.0 introduced the Live Cockpit Plus and Live Cockpit Professional configurations, offering modern digital displays and advanced connectivity. These innovations reinforced iDrive 's position as the benchmark system in the field of automotive infotainment.

6. iDr ive 8.0

Introduction period: 2021 | Affected models:

• 2 Series Active Tourer (U06)
• 2 Series Coupé (G42) (after summer 2022)
• 3 Series (G20 facelift)
• Series 7 (G70)
• iX1
• i4
• iX
• XM
• X1 (U11)
• X5 (G05 facelift)
• X6 (G06 facelift)
• X7 (G07 facelift)

The iDrive 8.0 , unveiled in 2021, features the BMW Curved Display , marking an aesthetic revolution. Beyond its modernized design, it offers advanced infotainment features, representing the pinnacle of iDrive 's evolution.

Each iteration of iDrive at BMW represents a chapter in the ongoing evolution of connectivity and user-friendliness of in-car systems. With the arrival of iDrive 9 based on Android Auto OS , BMW continues to set the automotive industry standards for technology and driving experience.