Frank Weber from BMW Reveals Insights on iDrive X: More Intelligent Vehicles, Enhanced Driving Experiences
Today, we delve into insights from a seasoned BMW expert regarding the latest iDrive software, known as iDrive X, and additional features. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Roundtable events are a good way for higher-ups in any organization to let slip morsels of information that got overlooked for the press release. Particularly when the roundtable involves someone like Frank Weber, CTO and member of the board of management of BMW. Today we share insights from the BMW veteran about the newest iDrive software, iDrive X. No Larger Screens – BMW “Links You to the Journey” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. “When we observed our rivals expanding their display sizes, we questioned whether that was the direction we wanted to take,” Weber reflects when discussing the central screen. He asserts that the brand aimed to avoid going “even larger…a big TV screen takes your focus away from the road. We experimented with what they termed hyper screens and similar concepts, and yes, they were substantial,” he remarks, subtly criticizing the oversized screens featured in numerous Mercedes models today.” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. BMW links you to the steering wheel, which in turn connects to the vehicle, and the vehicle engages with the road. This is exactly the kind of experience you anticipate from a BMW. We completely concur. Weber expressed significant concerns regarding the increasing screen sizes in the industry. He stated, “Simply enlarging screens is not the solution.” According to him, larger screens pose greater challenges in terms of safe usability for drivers, particularly when it comes to touch accessibility. He advocates for maintaining a singular, central display positioned nearer to the steering wheel, which he believes provides “optimal touch conditions.” Larger Screens, Greater Usage View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Of course, BMW’s screen size may be staying small compared to the competition, but it’s still growing to 17.9 inches. And there’s a lot of additional hardware to power when you consider the 3D head-up display and panoramic display. How does that compare to the current setups when it comes to power consumption? “We are looking for every watt-hour that we can preserve,” Weber starts. “Unfortunately, it is the system setup.” According to Weber, there’s an entire department tasked with managing energy efficiency. Weber says that, compared to today’s 12.0-inch display and curved display, the new setup consumes around 10 percent more energy. Countering Apple CarPlay with Enhanced Firepower View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image supplied for media purposes by Apple.com In a rather provocative statement, Mr. Weber expresses his openness to opposing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. He views these platforms as merely a “temporary fix” and argues that BMW should focus on developing a more “cohesive system.” According to him, the BMW interface is far more advanced and versatile than a system limited to just CarPlay. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that iDrive X supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Actions often carry more weight than mere words, and despite any usability concerns you may have, iDrive X is set to deliver some significant advancements. During the presentation, a video call was conducted directly through the screen, and it seems this feature will be available in production vehicles, not just as a demo. This gives it an edge over CarPlay. Weber humorously remarked, “This is our year, 2025… I’m finished with visions and concepts. What you’ve seen is legitimate, so yes, you will be able to [make video calls].” iDrive X Across Various Models: From the X1 to the 7 Series View pictures in App save up to 80% data. As we've mentioned on several occasions across various platforms, iDrive X is set to be integrated into every new BMW model in the future. However, the interface may vary slightly based on the specific vehicle you are driving. According to Weber, while talking about the display, “When you opt for an X2, the screen is somewhat smaller compared to that of the next segment.” Thus, you can anticipate that iDrive X will have a familiar appearance, yet it won't be exactly the same for every model you encounter. Evaluating iDrive X View pictures in App save up to 80% data. “I can tell you we probably have 3,000 people in the process,” Weber says when a question of testing regiments comes up. Three core regions – China, Europe, and US – require individual testing, utilizing ‘usability labs’ that essentially place customers in front of the technology. Notably and specifically, not BMW employees. “What you do is you invite them for eight hours, every single person for eight hours, and then you go with them, step by step through all the things,” he says. BMW then observes “where misunderstandings occur,” in order to streamline the system. Weber states that the entire process spanned approximately three years, starting from the initial concept to the present day. He notes that there are significant variations in user interactions with the technology across different regions, but ultimately, a “global agreement” emerges—a solution that accommodates everyone, even if it may not be perfectly tailored to a specific area. “We have just completed the final round, and we’re looking at production by the end of the year,” he concludes. Unified Design for Electric and Gas Vehicle Range View pictures in App save up to 80% data. BMW is recognized for its adaptable architecture that streamlines manufacturing processes. The distinction between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles is less pronounced for them compared to many other car manufacturers. However, looking ahead, Frank Weber states, “we can only have one design.” He emphasizes, “A BMW is a BMW… there’s no separation between an ICE vehicle and a battery electric vehicle.” He describes the Neue Klasse as a significant advancement, adding, “This major leap will be applied universally.” Therefore, anticipate the Neue Klasse design to gradually appear in their models throughout the 2030s. Weber believes that many brands have erred by deliberately placing electric vehicles (EVs) as superior to their internal combustion engine (ICE) models. This is an interesting perspective that hasn't been widely discussed before and could warrant its own article. “You choose the powertrain, and we’ll create the best car tailored to that,” Weber explains. “This approach isn’t succeeding for other brands because…what message are you conveying? That battery electric vehicles are more advanced than your traditional vehicles?” He goes on to say, “While I don’t have the final figures for 2024 yet, you can safely assume that BMW has outperformed both Mercedes and Audi in battery electric vehicle sales combined. Isn’t it ironic that the company that promotes ‘equal treatment for all’ has managed to sell more than the other two put together?” For what it’s worth, he was right. It’s an excellent point. He drives it home by essentially saying people decide to buy a BMW because it’s a BMW. Not specifically because it’s an electric vehicle or gas-powered vehicle. The E65: A Present That Continues to Delight View pictures in App save up to 80% data. E65 7系列 LC There are plenty of reasons to dislike the E65 7 Series (produced from 2001 until 2008), but we didn’t expect to hear Frank Weber talk about it in 2025 at CES. “We had to refine our processes,” he starts, when asked about the ‘complete reinvention’ of the Neue Klasse cars and streamlining systems to be user-friendly. “The reason for this is our traumatic experiences with the E65 25 years ago. It was so bad to launch that vehicle that we had to rethink all of our process.” Over the last two decades, BMW has given more thought than its competitors to how the mechanical components and software components work together – and it’s all because of the E65. That’s what Frank says, anyway. Weber's Concluding "Subjective" Reflections on iDrive X Everyone wants to know what the boss is really thinking about the cool new rig, right? The roundtable concluded by asking Weber his driving impressions on iDrive X. “I am completely biased,” he starts. “It was completely obvious how you interact with the vehicle and what it is doing for us. You will see that from the moment we give you a car, it will be very easy to operate this thing.” The highest praise, according to Frank, “anybody who is a UI designer” can ever receive. We look forward to the challenge.
London bike executive discloses that components from Brompton e-bikes are being utilized in the construction of drones for the UK military.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An electronic device on Brompton’s new electric bike is being used as a part in drones being built for the UK military. This has resulted in cyclists having to wait months to get their hands on the Greenford-based firm’s new £3,499 “G Line” e-bike because its supplier is too busy building drones for the Army. An astonishing announcement came from Will Butler-Adams, the CEO of Brompton, during a recent radio conversation regarding the Army's embrace of "drone racing" as a competitive sport. The component required for the drones is a controller, also known as a control switch, which interacts with the battery-operated motor of the bike, facilitating easier pedaling for the G Line bicycle. The controller, known for its impressive speed in communicating with the motor, was designed by Brompton, although its manufacturing was contracted out to another company. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Brompton's chief executive, Will Butler-Adams Matt Writtle During an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House program on Sunday, Mr. Butler-Adams stated: "We manufacture electric bicycles, and within these bikes, we incorporate controllers. The controller is designed by us and produced by a British company right here in the UK." "We were in the process of launching our new G line bike, but the release was pushed back by two months due to a controller manufacturer prioritizing orders for the Ministry of Defence." "To be honest, it involved creating components for drones, and since they required a significant number of them, we ended up being pushed further down the priority list." London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan owns an earlier model of a Brompton e-bike and was occasionally seen riding it to work during the pandemic. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Leg power prevails: Sadiq Khan rides his electric Brompton PA Brompton, renowned for its folding bicycles, has recently announced a significant decline in profits as a result of a widespread decrease in demand for bikes across the industry. For the year ending last March, they dropped to only £4,602, a significant decrease from £10.7 million the year before. Sales decreased by five percent, reaching £122.6 million. However, Brompton managed to sell 84,899 bikes, a decline from the previous year's total of 91,875. Approximately 80 percent of Brompton's bicycles are sold internationally. Reports indicate that Brompton's intended move to a new factory close to Ashford, Kent, by 2027 has been postponed. The company has designated a 100-acre wetland area for development. Their new headquarters, costing £100 million, features a circular design and will be elevated on stilts 2.2 meters above the floodplain. Additionally, this area is planned to be transformed into a nature reserve accessible to the public. Brompton's public relations agency has been contacted for a statement.
This Could Be The Wildest Chevy Nova Roaming The Streets Of LA
Apart from some rare and special examples like the COPO LT-1, the Chevy Nova was never considered to be a true muscle car. This one, originally featuring a 307 V8, even looks old and rusted out – but trust us, you've never seen a Nova like it. It's a kind of build that can only come from an enthusiast's love for the model and desire to perfect it. That's exactly what Joe from Arizona did with this 3rd-gen Chevy Nova 307. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Chevy Chevy, or Chevy as it's often called, is a household name and a major division of General Motors. Founded in 1911, Chevy established itself as an affordable carmaker, offering reliable vehicles for everyday drivers. Parent Corporation General Motors Divisions Chevy Performance Founded 1911 Founder Louis Chevy and William C. Durant Headquarters Detroit, Michigan Current CEO Mary Barra View pictures in App save up to 80% data. You have been educated using information available until October 2023. This Is The Rarest Chevy Muscle Car Ever Produced The Camaro has generally been known as an affordable performance vehicle. However, this specific model breaks that mold. The Turbocharged Nova For years, owner Joe pursued this car, but sadly, he was never able to acquire it in its original state. Ultimately, he purchased the shell of this Nova from someone who had fully stripped it down to begin his own dream project. Now, under the hood lies a powerful 6.2-liter L92 V8 engine sourced from a Cadillac Escalade, equipped with an impressive LSA supercharger. The choice of supercharger was made due to hood clearance constraints that ruled out a turbo setup, and it is complemented by a custom 3-inch exhaust system featuring Cherry Bomb Salute mufflers. Now, the Nova makes 557 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque on regular gas – at the wheels! At the crank, this thing probably pumps out close to 700 hp. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Google 新闻 Enjoying the content? Consider adding HotCars to your Google 新闻 feed. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AutotopiaLA (YouTube频道) With a total construction budget capped at $50,000, Joe made several enhancements including modifications to the suspension, steering, brakes, and wheels. He also incorporated a subframe from a 1969 Camaro, which fits seamlessly onto the Nova. The RideTech suspension, combined with TrueTurn steering, results in a firm ride that remains comfortable for everyday driving. This car is designed with the driver in mind, featuring an ergonomic interior layout with a comfortable steering wheel and shifter arrangement, complemented by a Borgeson steering box. Even Shawn Davis from AutotopiaLA couldn't help but praise its handling and the sheer joy of driving it. Joe intentionally maintained the vintage, weathered look of the car's exterior to add personality and ensure it differentiated itself from other custom builds. Consequently, this 700-horsepower Chevy Nova is a complete sleeper; nobody anticipates the roar it produces as it effortlessly spins its enormous rear tires. According to Joe, the rear end even shifts at speeds of 90 mph.
Rivian's Electric Delivery Van Became the Top Seller in 2024
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. You may have seen a Rivian van delivering Amazon packages or running errands around town, but you probably didn’t know that the automaker sold more of them than Ford’s electric E-Transit or the new Chevrolet Brightdrop van. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. In the previous year, Rivian achieved sales of 13,423 vans, marking a significant increase of 66 percent compared to the 8,091 units sold in 2023. Ford followed closely behind with 12,610 E-Transits sold, while Brightdrop recorded a modest 1,529 units sold. Despite ranking second, Ford experienced a remarkable 64 percent growth in electric van sales in 2024. Additionally, Rivian's R1S SUV gained traction, earning a spot among the top ten best-selling electric vehicles in the United States for 2024. Commercial sales account for a large share of the figures in question. Regular consumers can purchase a Ford E-Transit directly from the manufacturer's website, but the vans from Rivian and GM aren't available for general sale. A significant portion of Rivian's vans are expected to be delivered to Amazon, which has a contract with the company to supply 100,000 electric vans by 2030. Although the two had an initial exclusive agreement, Rivian managed to negotiate its way out of the Amazon-only restriction while still keeping the contract to manufacture the vehicles. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Mercedes-Benz secured the fourth position with its eSprinter, which began production in late 2023 at the South Carolina facility. The company sold just 191 vans last year, probably because it is among the lesser-known electric commercial vehicles currently available on the market.
Auto repair shops experiencing an increase in vehicle problems this winter
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Local auto repair shops, such as Magic City Auto and Truck Repair, have reported a rise in vehicle problems this winter season. Published: January 15, 2025, at 3:13 PM CST | Updated: just moments ago MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - Cold weather can cause various issues, and sometimes that even affects your vehicle's performance. Local auto repair shops, such as Magic City Auto and Truck Repair, have reported a rise in vehicle problems this winter season. Owner Ken Frederick noted that they frequently encounter issues with depleted batteries during colder weather. "During winter, you worry about the lack of heat in the cabin. Your engine isn't reaching the temperature you'd prefer," Frederick remarked. Service manager Kelsey Desroches emphasized the importance of tire treads when it comes to driving in snowy conditions. Desroches explained, "When you're driving and the snow becomes compacted, lack of tread can cause your vehicle to slide uncontrollably." Desroches mentioned that they have noticed customers arriving with brake pads that require urgent attention for repairs. "Your brake pad will end up making contact with the metal rotor, which will hinder your ability to stop," explained Desroches. It's been suggested that letting your car warm up for at least ten minutes before driving can help maintain its condition during harsh winter temperatures. Alternative methods consist of utilizing an engine block heater and consulting your vehicle's manual. "Well, there's a purpose behind it; your vehicles are designed to require maintenance. It's essential for ensuring they remain in excellent condition," Frederick explained. It's always advisable to perform regular maintenance, regardless of whether your vehicle is new or used. Having a survival kit in your car during the winter months is essential. Make sure to include items like a blanket, a phone charger, snacks, and various other supplies. Magic City Auto and Truck Repair has proudly operated for eight years.
Dutch Government Introduces Hefty Taxes on Electric Motorcycles
A few years back, electric motorcycles were viewed by many as the promising future of transportation. The pandemic era sparked a significant increase in demand, which in turn stimulated innovation and led manufacturers to expand their electric product lines. However, the unfortunate truth is that the industry is undergoing a transformation. In recent months, a staggering number of electric vehicle startups have collapsed. While this may be disheartening, it seems that we are only witnessing the initial wave of such closures. Shifting our attention to the Netherlands, we see a transformation in the electric motorcycle scene, and it’s not particularly encouraging. The country has been a hub for various electric vehicle motorcycle startups for some time. However, this situation may soon take a turn, as the Dutch government has announced a significant tax increase on electric two-wheelers via its BPM, or “Belasting van Personenauto’s en Motorrijwielen,” which translates to private vehicle tax.