Recently, the Association of Passenger Vehicles announced that in the whole year of 2021, the cumulative sales of intelligent networked vehicles reached 2,718,017 units, accounting for more than 12.74% of the cumulative sales in the whole year, of which the penetration rate of intelligent cockpits in Chinese passenger cars was 50.6%, which shows that the intelligent cockpit, as an important development direction of vehicle intelligence, has gradually become the core component of the summary of the intelligent development process of the whole vehicle.
At this stage, the new car-making forces represented by Tesla, Ideal and Xiaopeng are actively strengthening the intelligent cockpit configuration, and BMW, as a traditional car manufacturer, has also developed to the eighth generation of iDrive intelligent cockpit.
First, why did BMW develop the iDrive system?
On March 17 last year, the BMW Group announced its growth and profitability targets for 2021, and announced the BMW Group's "three-step" intelligent strategy for the corporate transformation of digital intelligent mobility, the first stage of which is to start BMW electric mobility through the Project i project, continuously incubate innovative technologies and eventually achieve mass production.
Over time, these electrification technologies have been applied to the entire product array, especially in new energy models. At the same time, in addition to the electric drive system itself, the human-computer interaction and intelligent ecology in the car have also become important factors in accelerating the transformation.
And at present, the intelligent cockpit has become one of the important criteria for measuring whether a car is intelligent enough, and BMW, as a traditional enterprise, began the research and development and update of the vehicle system as early as 20 years ago, and there is an upgrade every 3 years, so since there is a previous experience accumulation, why not continue to develop and utilize?
So in March last year, in order to improve the first phase of the intelligent product array and increase the product competitiveness of BMW's models, BMW also launched a new BMW iDrive system.
Second, the development history of BMW's intelligent cockpit (what upgrades and updates)
As one of the most well-known smart cockpits, iDrive has a history of 20 years since its birth and follows the principle of changing every 3 years. As early as 2001, BMW built the original iDrive system based on the Then Window CE architecture, and for the first time it was installed on the E65/E66 7 series, creating a precedent for the vehicle-mounted human-computer interaction system.
The first iDrive system was born in 2001 and was applied to the final model of the BMW E38 7 Series, the flagship model at that time, with the LCD display above the central control and the control knob of the physical button and the iDrive system next to it. The interface looks simple, and there are more than 700 operations that can actually be controlled, which take a while to adapt.
The second generation of iDrive debut also brought the release of E60, in order to facilitate the driver's operation, the operating system position was moved to the vicinity of the gear handle, and greatly simplified the operation process, established the use of buttons + knob operation mode, and then this generation of iDrive system was applied to the 7 series, 5 series, 3 series and other mainstream models, and continuously improved, until the fifth generation of 3 series (E9X) was born, the second generation of iDrive ushered in the peak.
By the early 2010s, the rapid development of digitalization and informatization, the third generation of iDrive system was born, "concise" is the biggest feature it left to the world, in addition to the use of a new button knob, matching the interconnection driving function, handwriting input function.
The fourth generation of iDrive system was unveiled at the CES 2015 show, which was a huge improvement compared to the previous one, and a lot of innovations were made from the UI interface to the operation mode. Before BMW designed iDrive logic is for security, the screen of the center console can only be seen and can not be touched, and with the rapid change of mobile terminals and interaction methods, BMW has also changed, iDrive 4.0 became the first system in BBA to add touch screen operation, matching 7 keys and large knobs.
With the listing of BMW's new 7 Series, iDrive 5.0 has also entered the stage of history, iD 5.0 system on the basis of iD 4.0, the interface menu display and operation process is further optimized, to illustrate the function menu instead of the previous in-line menu design, while the button and touch interaction is more integrated, more convenient to use.
The biggest disruption of the iDrive 6.0 system is the addition of CarPlay functions, which enriches the way of human-computer interaction.
In 2018, the seventh-generation iDrive system debuted on the G05 X5 and quickly rolled out to almost all of BMW's models. For the first time, the seventh-generation iDrive system is equipped with intelligent voice assistant functions, enabling it to realize five-dimensional operation of voice, touch, gestures, vision, and knobs, and also supports OTA upgrade functions, which will take ease of use to a new level.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the cockpit consisted mainly of mechanical instrument panels and simple audio playback devices, and the physical buttons had a relatively simple function.
From 2000 to 2015, there was a small size of the central control LCD display + navigation function, which formed an electronic cockpit.
Until now, the ability of vehicle-machine system and human-computer interaction has been improved, and the functions provided by the cockpit are not only limited to the vehicle, but also combine the travel scenarios to provide drivers with decision-making and bring a more convenient and rich experience.
At present, BMW's latest generation of iDrive 8.0 has developed into a more simple and easy-to-use, more entertaining and interactive intelligent cockpit, not only large screen, multi-screen, application software enrichment, but also the seats in the car, entertainment including vehicle control and other systems into an intelligent cockpit.
Third, the eighth generation bmw iDrive equipped with models:
Sedan models: BMW 3 Series/5 Series/7 Series/4 Series/8 Series, BMW 5 Series (imported), BMW 6 Series (GT), BMW 5 Series PHEV, BMW i3/i4, BMW M3/M4/M5/M8.
SUV models: BMW X2/X3/X5/X1/X7/X4//X6, BMW X5 (imported), BMW X1 PHEV/X5 PHEV, BMW X5M/X6M/X3M, BMW iX3/iX.
Fourth, the eighth generation of iDrive system features introduction and highlights
1. Bmw iX hardware configuration with the new iDrive
The new generation of iDrive will be the first to be installed on the BMW iX, and the BMW iX as a flagship pure electric model, its hardware configuration can play the new generation of iDrive functions to the fullest.
In addition, the control panel on the center console and dashboard also adopts a new design, with a crystal texture glass decoration of the iDrive knob, and the new generation of iDrive center console has an active haptic feedback function, not only the material material appears high-grade texture, the actual convenience of use is also very high, the overall intelligent cockpit is also well set off.
2, 5G technology and eSIM technology first application
Mention the eighth generation of BMW iDrive, you have to mention its 5G technology applications, although only bmw iX models have 5G chips, 5G technology mainly brings about faster intelligent response speed, its transmission speed is faster, the future will bring more innovation in the field of information, entertainment, driving safety, and automatic driving. The advantages brought by 5G are self-evident, so it is not far away to achieve 5G technical support for most of BMW's models in the future.
Relying on 5G networks with faster data transmission speeds and lower latency, it can transfer functions that require a lot of computing power to the BMW cloud, process large amounts of data and complex tasks through the BMW Cloud Computing Center, and then feed it back into the vehicle control system.
This means that the in-vehicle iDrive system will gain computing power far beyond the car machine itself, and can achieve more complex computing functions.
In addition to 5G technology, BMW is also the first automaker to apply eSIM to consumer products. In real terms, the embedded design of the eSIM will firmly integrate it into the vehicle communication module, the vehicle-grade embedded SIM card will not affect the function and reliability due to extreme temperature, humidity, corrosion or bumps, users can also choose the operator and download the card data of the selected operator to the card through OTA, so as to access the network of the selected operator, which will mean that the eighth generation of iDrive will become a "mobile phone" that can move rapidly.
3. Intelligent navigation system
But even without 5G technology, iDrive relies on powerful data processing capabilities, still can quickly complete the intelligent interconnection function, the eighth generation of iDrive equipped with cloud-based navigation system, through the combination of real-time information and prediction model, can calculate the dynamic route faster and more accurately, based on the big data model, coupled with real-time analysis of traffic changes in the road ahead, accurately calculate the arrival time.
In addition to integrating real-time data, BMW Cloud also uses machine learning algorithms to provide traffic conditions and forecasting functions based on real-time data and historical data models. In the future, this function will also be combined with the V2X function, by analyzing the data collected by all BMW models on the road, navigation will be more accurate, so that users can avoid congestion and accidents in advance, saving traffic time.
4. Intelligent interaction system
The eighth generation of iDrive has a new BMW intelligent personal assistant built in, adding a new skill to recognize the driver's body language, which can determine the driver's status and needs. Officially, this is called "smart interaction", that is, pushing the right features and information for the members of the car at the right time and place.
5. Automotive intelligent system
Compare to these trivial interactive features that are limited to personalization and increased interaction. Personally, the bigger breakthrough of the new iDrive comes from its core, that is, the remote upgrade technology supported by BMW's new generation of in-vehicle operating system BMW OS 8.
Although the BMW iDrive7 released three years ago already supports remote upgrade technology. However, some models do not have remote software upgrade functions, such as the 5 Series standard wheelbase version produced before July 2020, the 6 Series GT produced before July 2020, the 5 Series long wheelbase version produced before September 2020, the X4 produced before August 2021 and the X3 produced before September 2021 do not have the remote upgrade function.
Compared with the remote upgrade technology of the previous generation of in-vehicle systems, which is mainly limited to additional services such as lighting systems, iDrive 8 further adds support for 5G communication standards. BMW announced that all new models of BMW in the future will be able to complete the installation of more than 1 GB of system update packages in less than 20 minutes, which is so big for the previous owners of iDrive 8.
Only the upgrade of traditional hardware cannot make car companies stand out in the race of intelligent development, so the ability of cockpit OS, the diversification of cockpit application ecology and the richness of on-board mini programs have become the core capabilities of car companies to build branding and personalization.
Fifth, word of mouth
It is precisely because of this different taste that it is difficult for BMW and even many traditional car companies to make trade-offs, which has also caused a different word-of-mouth evaluation of the car machine system.
From the experience of use, this time BMW still handed over a satisfactory answer, according to the feedback summary of the 7th generation of iDrive users, found that most of them focused on the remote upgrade function, including the previously mentioned models that cannot be upgraded, and the X3 of the 2020-2021 model can not be upgraded remotely, to know that the remote upgrade technology can continuously improve the performance of the vehicle with the upgrade, without recalling the vehicle to the store, it is possible to save a lot of costs, and the performance of its own vehicle has been maintained in a most ideal state , so as not to be eliminated, at the same time, the retention rate of their own used cars will also be greatly improved.
As the biggest highlight of the 7th generation iDrive OTA remote upgrade, this aspect of the problem, obviously makes many car owners feel very uncomfortable, but the market has not yet received complaints and reviews about the eighth generation of iDrive, which is proof that the iDrive 8.0 ota is more comprehensive and reliable.
Sixth, horizontal evaluation and comparison
1. Volkswagen IQ.Drive comparison
To say that the comparison, which is doomed to be inseparable, Volkswagen, the giant of the automotive industry, also has a huge number of models, then Volkswagen's vehicle interconnection and BMW compared to who is better?
The same Volkswagen in-vehicle operating system also mainly includes five aspects: intelligent AI, navigation, entertainment, intelligent control car and intelligent travel.
Intelligent voice system, which is almost the standard of the current intelligent model, this system can realize the communication, media, navigation, air conditioning and other common functions of the wake-up, eliminating the trouble of hand operation when driving, volkswagen's navigation system based on AutoNavi map data, can provide drivers with real-time traffic, traffic boards, road restriction information, online map updates, intelligent predictive navigation, online point of interest search, online point of interest sent to the car and other information.
At the same time, it also supports based on the driving habits of car owners and real-time traffic data collection, pushing the optimal route to the car machine, avoiding congestion and combining the destination to search for nearby charging stations.
Volkswagen's on-board system can also achieve remote control of the vehicle through mobile APP and other software, such as starting, turning on air conditioning and other actions, and finally smart travel, smart car connection system 4.0 and a wide range of content platforms and ecosystems applied to the car, support smart parking, smart home, illegal inquiry, team travel, emergency rescue, maintenance appointment service and other functions.
It can be seen that Volkswagen's in-vehicle functions are more practical, the basic functions are equipped, and BMW's eighth-generation iDrive is obviously more relaxed in terms of user operation, which is still due to the processing algorithm of the eighth-generation iDrive and the faster intelligent response speed.
2. Audi MMI
Audi's MMI human-computer interaction system first appeared in 2004, and the earliest model was the Audi A6 at that time. On May 11, 2020, Audi announced the third generation of MIB system, the interaction framework has been greatly changed compared to the previous generation of systems, the main interface in the form of cards to display the main functions, support gestures free drag, can be personalized layout of the car screen.
In the three generations of Audi's automotive human-computer interaction system, it has navigated from basic radios and maps to the interconnected mini programs and application markets that are closer to the daily needs of users today. In terms of interaction, from the original physical button space mapping, a more flexible trackpad, and then to a full touch screen.
In addition, Audi has developed a version for Chinese users based on the Android platform, pre-installed mainstream streaming services, such as Cool Me Music, Himalaya Radio, etc., and has also specially developed a WeChat mini program exclusive to car owners, which better meets the needs of users in the Chinese market and realizes the seamless connection between mobile phones and car machines.
3. Mercedes-Benz MBUX
As mentioned earlier, MBUX, known as Mercedes-Benz User Experience, is more user-focused than HARMON, and in 2018, the system first appeared on mercedes-Benz A-Class sedans. In fact, if according to the definition of Mercedes-Benz, MBUX is actually the 6.0 version of HARMON, but in terms of control experience, there is a more obvious upgrade than the previous version.
The new generation of MBUX is more interesting, and unlike the previous mechanical instrument, the model equipped with the new system supports the custom display of the left, middle and right three zones of the instrument, and can provide sports, classic, and quiet three modes for everyone to choose.
In the user interface, Mercedes-Benz is still a familiar family interface, THE UI interface style and brand tonality is very compatible, revealing an elegant atmosphere, the speed of operation is relatively fast, there is no unnecessary effect, a bit of "stable and accurate" meaning,
In addition to full-screen touch operation, MBUX has added a trackpad with a large area, with vibration feedback, compared to the previous version, the experience is more realistic.
At the same time, this car also supports clicking, sliding and other shortcuts, so when driving, it is also possible to perform blind exercises. MBUX uses natural speech technology provided by voice technology company Nuance, a system that can not only listen to the user's conversations, but also recognize voice commands and complete the operation
Overall, compared to bmw iDrive and Volkswagen iQ.Drive, Mercedes-Benz MBUX is slightly younger, although fully functional, with processing power and fluency, it is not very good. From the actual experience, Audi's performance is decent, mainly based on the Android platform to build the MMI system integrated with Android's openness and diversity, support the installation of multi-mainstream software, and is definitely more friendly to domestic users.
Although BMW is more inclined to control the auxiliary, bmw's iDrive is more like an intelligent cockpit for the driver, whether it is the design of the cockpit or from the perspective of technological features.
summary
China's proportion in the global automotive market is becoming more and more obvious, and the degree of attention is gradually increasing, and China is a leading market for digital development, BMW has established a research and development system in China while continuously expanding its cooperation with leading technology companies.
At iDrive 8.0, we can see BMW's attitude towards intelligence, balancing tradition and innovation to create an experience that is constantly being improved in the intelligent cockpit.
BMW fully integrates the functionality of the iDrive system under the framework of the traditional cockpit to achieve the full integration of intelligence and technology, which is why BMW can always walk on the first-class level in the experience it brings to users.
With the continuous deepening of automotive intelligence, the car will transcend the product form limitation of "automobile" and become an intelligent cockpit that can move autonomously.
Compared with the first half of the focus on product iterative evolution, the development of automotive intelligence has entered the second half, if the car companies only focus on product research and development, and can not quickly and flexibly respond to market demand, to provide users really need "end-to-end" applications and services, will not be able to achieve rapid development.
After all, avant-garde design or conservative style is only the physical carrier of the intelligent cockpit, and it is the real pursuit of the cockpit to provide a comfortable interactive experience.