More than a classic display and operating concept, BMW iDrive integrates telematics and networked services, data processing and connects end devices. It also integrates third-party providers or smartphone integration, and seamlessly incorporates cloud-based services, such as BMW Maps. BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades and BMW Remote Software Upgrades are included in BMW iDrive.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the most important interface for communication with and operation of your vehicle with BMW iDrive. The visualisation using illuminated spheres of different size and brightness gives the assistant more scope and additional capabilities of expression. For communication with the driver, the optical display appears on the Information Display or the Head-Up Display and for communication with the front passenger on the right-hand side of the BMW Curved Display. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has also undergone further functional development. Thanks to an increase in the amount of underlying data and information, the digital assistant is not only more intelligent but also capable of reacting in a context-related manner. It is able to take account of the situation in the vehicle and its surroundings in determining when and how it communicates with the occupants. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also access an even higher number of functions in the vehicle. It masters the control of functions such as air conditioning, Ambient lighting, audio reproduction, side windows, shading of the Panorama glass roof as well as the switching of My Modes, the driver assistance systems and numerous others. Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes on the role of a vehicle expert and answers questions on the operation of functions, on check control messages, on the trip history or the vehicle properties. It also has access to information on points of interest, such as restaurants, parking options, shops and cultural venues.

The following BMW models have been produced with BMW Operating System 8.5 since July 2023: BMW 5 Series (G60), BMW 7 Series (G70), BMW iX (I20), BMW i4 (G26 BEV). The following BMW models have been produced with BMW Operating System 8.5 since August 2023: BMW X5 (G05 LCI), BMW X5 M (F95 LCI)[2] BMW X6 (G06 LCI), BMW X6 M (F96 LCI)[2] BMW X7 (G07 LCI) BMW XM (G09)[2]. Further BMW models from the mid-range, top, and luxury class will follow gradually. From November 2023, the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer models will be produced with Operating System 9.

The new BMW Operating Systems provide you with a start screen with intuitive QuickSelect quicklist, live widgets, and touch-optimised operation. You can also subscribe to the optional BMW Digital Premium Package for the BMW Operating System 9.

BMW Operating System 8.5 and BMW Operating System 9 both have a new QuickSelect operating logic with a greater focus on the touch function of the BMW Curved Display and a modified display concept with a focus on the start screen. The control display permanently shows the start screen as a user interface. On the driver’s side, the screen displays vertically arranged widgets that can be selected by swiping. BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 8.5 as well as BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9 also provide an extended range of digital products and services.

With BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 8.5, the range of available digital services and apps is also available as factory-fitted optional equipment or can be booked in the BMW ConnectedDrive store. By contrast, BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 9 forms the technical basis for purchasing the optional "BMW Digital Premium" option in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store in-car, online or in the My BMW app.“BMW Digital Premium” is taking the place of the previous optional range of digital services, known as the “BMW Connected Package Professional”. The infotainment offer structure (Connected Packages consisting of Navigation, My Modes, and Connectivity) is changing in the relevant vehicles with BMW Operating System 9. BMW Digital Premium gives vehicles with BMW Operating System 9 an extended range of apps from third-party providers, with regular updates independently of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade.

The range of digital services and apps is also available as factory-fitted optional equipment or can be booked in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store for vehicles with BMW Operating System 8.5. Operation is possible by voice control with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or other voice-controlled assistants, or by touching the BMW Curved Display or, in some models, the iDrive Controller in the centre console. BMW Operating System 8 und BMW Operating System 8.5 inlcude a comprehensive integration of digital products and services.

The differences include a new operating logic with a focus on touch and voice control, and a modified display concept with a focus on the start screen as a permanently visible user interface.[2] A new menu bar at the bottom edge of the display includes the home symbol and further quick-access options, for instance to the air conditioning menu.[2] In addition, there is an extended range of digital products and services.

Depending on the model and production date, only the following vehicles can be upgraded to BMW Operating System 8.5 via a Remote Software Upgrade due to the latest system-specific hardware and infrastructure being installed: BMW 7 Series (G70), produced from 07/2022; BMW iX (I20), produced from 03/2023; BMW X5 (G05 LCI), BMW X6 (G06 LCI), BMW X7 (G07 LCI), BMW X5 M (F95 LCI), BMW X6 M (F96 LCI), each produced from 04/2023.