BHR4CE1
07-06-2008, 11:34 PM
First Look: New 7 Series Tech – Exclusive Analysis
New iDrive, Black Panel technology, Head-Up Display and more
The F01 7er Series presages the technology of all BMWs to come, just the predecessor E65 7er Series was the first to introduce iDrive itself. High-resolution graphics have been added to the Control Display, direct selection buttons surround the controller, the user interface is greatly improved, and new operating logic with letters and numbers arranged in a circular fashion speed up entry of new information.
As mentioned at bmwcca.org earlier this year, the CCC (Car Communciation Computer) will be replaced by the CIC (Car Infotainment Computer) – and that brings an incredible new world of information and entertainment options to the driver.
New instrument cluster combines best of mechanical and electronic worlds
The entire instrument cluster is a high-resolution color display (as we predicted or, more accurately, wished for a few months back) that, in true BMW form, presents road speed and engine speed in two large gauges with smaller gauges to the left and right presenting fuel supply and engine oil temperature.
When the car is not in use, the driver sees a smooth black surface with chrome surrounds, indicator needs, scale markings, and the red warning field of the rev counter. As soon as the driver opens the door, the display comes to life and the chrome rings on the circular instruments – open at the bottom when not in use – close and system information is automatically presented. When the engine is started, driver-specific information is also displayed.
Head-Up Display Adds Information
The Head-Up Display will now display information such as telephone numbers or radio stations if the driver activates such functions via the newly-enhanced MFL (Multifunktion Lenkrad or steering wheel).
High Guiding
Via the HUD, enhanced road geometry and guidance information is presented for directions and lane changes. The system uses clear, realistic symbols and 3-D maps to provide guidance for lane change recommendations and guidance at complex road junctions.
Intuitive iDrive Controller and Command Keys
As covered here in April, the 7er Series introduces a new iDrive controller with an ergonomic pad that makes it even easier to use.
Tipping, turning, or pushing the iDrive controller are similar to using a mouse. Turning the Controller scrolls through menu items and selections are made by pressing the button on top of the controller in. Tipping the Controller to the left or right navigates various menu levels.
The menu trees are extra wide to provide as many options as possible without having to scroll to a different menu level.
Four direct selection buttons surround the iDrive for CD, radio, telephone, and navigation. Three command keys access the main menu, last menu, and additional current options.
Where are we going?
Satellite navigation presents the driver with a preview map of the route to the destination during the selection process to ensure that the correct destination is being selected. A special map perspective in the Highlight Traffic Conditions menu provides congested routes marked in red.
The Travel Planner with its Guided Tours function offers the ability to create a personalized route with waypoints or stopping points along the way. It can also choose the most beautiful driving routes if desired.
The driver can also plan his route via his home computer and download the route via a USB stick or mobile transmission to the car’s satellite navigation system.
Multi-modal Control
The user can switch between voice command and the use of the Controller at any time (currently, using the Controller after issuing a voice command results in the shutdown of the voice command system).
iDrive Control Display
The 10.2” iDrive Control Display is now 1280x480 and offers a much better viewing experience. If desired, a full-screen map can be selected to provide greater detail. An elevation map is an additional option as well, presenting selected sights along the route as realistically as possible, including mountainous and hilly areas, buildings, and landmarks.
The fuel consumption and remaining range information are presented electronically
Integrated Owner’s Manual
The wide range of features and functionality requires an extensive manual so BMW has chosen to integrate the owner’s manual into the car itself. According to BMW, this is the first car that offers the customer “an information system providing control messages as part of the electronic control system in text, sound, and pictures.” Manuals are tailored to individual models as equipped.In other words, the car can explain itself to the driver.
The driver can program a Favorites button to go to a specific chapter of the manual, if desired (or needed).
Hard disk drive
The new 7er Series comes with a 40 Gbyte hard disk drive which includes storage for ca. 100 music CDs as well as map data. In some markets, the BMW ConnectedDrive system will download new music to the car directly.
First Car with Full Net Access
The new 7er Series features, in some markets, full unrestricted use of the Internet via BMW ConnectedDrive. Internet service is only available when the car is not moving. Sources at BMW NA have indicated that this functionality will not be available in the U.S. market.
Jonathan Spira, Technology Editor, BMWCCA.org
New iDrive, Black Panel technology, Head-Up Display and more
The F01 7er Series presages the technology of all BMWs to come, just the predecessor E65 7er Series was the first to introduce iDrive itself. High-resolution graphics have been added to the Control Display, direct selection buttons surround the controller, the user interface is greatly improved, and new operating logic with letters and numbers arranged in a circular fashion speed up entry of new information.
As mentioned at bmwcca.org earlier this year, the CCC (Car Communciation Computer) will be replaced by the CIC (Car Infotainment Computer) – and that brings an incredible new world of information and entertainment options to the driver.
New instrument cluster combines best of mechanical and electronic worlds
The entire instrument cluster is a high-resolution color display (as we predicted or, more accurately, wished for a few months back) that, in true BMW form, presents road speed and engine speed in two large gauges with smaller gauges to the left and right presenting fuel supply and engine oil temperature.
When the car is not in use, the driver sees a smooth black surface with chrome surrounds, indicator needs, scale markings, and the red warning field of the rev counter. As soon as the driver opens the door, the display comes to life and the chrome rings on the circular instruments – open at the bottom when not in use – close and system information is automatically presented. When the engine is started, driver-specific information is also displayed.
Head-Up Display Adds Information
The Head-Up Display will now display information such as telephone numbers or radio stations if the driver activates such functions via the newly-enhanced MFL (Multifunktion Lenkrad or steering wheel).
High Guiding
Via the HUD, enhanced road geometry and guidance information is presented for directions and lane changes. The system uses clear, realistic symbols and 3-D maps to provide guidance for lane change recommendations and guidance at complex road junctions.
Intuitive iDrive Controller and Command Keys
As covered here in April, the 7er Series introduces a new iDrive controller with an ergonomic pad that makes it even easier to use.
Tipping, turning, or pushing the iDrive controller are similar to using a mouse. Turning the Controller scrolls through menu items and selections are made by pressing the button on top of the controller in. Tipping the Controller to the left or right navigates various menu levels.
The menu trees are extra wide to provide as many options as possible without having to scroll to a different menu level.
Four direct selection buttons surround the iDrive for CD, radio, telephone, and navigation. Three command keys access the main menu, last menu, and additional current options.
Where are we going?
Satellite navigation presents the driver with a preview map of the route to the destination during the selection process to ensure that the correct destination is being selected. A special map perspective in the Highlight Traffic Conditions menu provides congested routes marked in red.
The Travel Planner with its Guided Tours function offers the ability to create a personalized route with waypoints or stopping points along the way. It can also choose the most beautiful driving routes if desired.
The driver can also plan his route via his home computer and download the route via a USB stick or mobile transmission to the car’s satellite navigation system.
Multi-modal Control
The user can switch between voice command and the use of the Controller at any time (currently, using the Controller after issuing a voice command results in the shutdown of the voice command system).
iDrive Control Display
The 10.2” iDrive Control Display is now 1280x480 and offers a much better viewing experience. If desired, a full-screen map can be selected to provide greater detail. An elevation map is an additional option as well, presenting selected sights along the route as realistically as possible, including mountainous and hilly areas, buildings, and landmarks.
The fuel consumption and remaining range information are presented electronically
Integrated Owner’s Manual
The wide range of features and functionality requires an extensive manual so BMW has chosen to integrate the owner’s manual into the car itself. According to BMW, this is the first car that offers the customer “an information system providing control messages as part of the electronic control system in text, sound, and pictures.” Manuals are tailored to individual models as equipped.In other words, the car can explain itself to the driver.
The driver can program a Favorites button to go to a specific chapter of the manual, if desired (or needed).
Hard disk drive
The new 7er Series comes with a 40 Gbyte hard disk drive which includes storage for ca. 100 music CDs as well as map data. In some markets, the BMW ConnectedDrive system will download new music to the car directly.
First Car with Full Net Access
The new 7er Series features, in some markets, full unrestricted use of the Internet via BMW ConnectedDrive. Internet service is only available when the car is not moving. Sources at BMW NA have indicated that this functionality will not be available in the U.S. market.
Jonathan Spira, Technology Editor, BMWCCA.org