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      04-01-2020, 04:42 AM   #1
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iDrive the right one?!

https://www.autoweek.com/news/techno...nt-controller/
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      04-01-2020, 08:28 AM   #2
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When BMW introduced the original iDrive it was by far the most un-intuitive, clumsy, and slow system on the market yet created an industry standard going forward. Audi waited a moment and debuted after and it was refined, faster, user friendly GUI and intuitive... but as the article states 2016+ BMW jumped to the forefront and has been there ever since. Audi MMI may have the better graphics and speed because of their nvidia chipsets but for overall use and practicality BMW takes it. MB is still twisting in the wind trying to figure out "Comand" and how to make it work. Worst centralized infotainment system in the Euro Segment.
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      04-01-2020, 08:49 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iconoclast View Post
When BMW introduced the original iDrive it was by far the most un-intuitive, clumsy, and slow system on the market yet created an industry standard going forward. Audi waited a moment and debuted after and it was refined, faster, user friendly GUI and intuitive... but as the article states 2016+ BMW jumped to the forefront and has been there ever since. Audi MMI may have the better graphics and speed because of their nvidia chipsets but for overall use and practicality BMW takes it. MB is still twisting in the wind trying to figure out "Comand" and how to make it work. Worst centralized infotainment system in the Euro Segment.
My $.02.... Personally, I think the primary reason a lot people/industry felt this way initially about the system/interface has more to do with that it was different, very different from anything else that was out there at the time (dare I say revolutionary??) - albeit still unrefined as most "revolutionary" ideas are that hit the market. When looking at the refinement of iDrive today, it is real easy to take that for granted when compared to the original iDrive systems, most of which are no longer on the road now (and memories of how it worked can be fleeting..).

It is human nature to dislike (and complain about) anything that is different. The more different it is, the bigger/louder the complaint. I think the true test of how "good" something is has to do with does it last after the "complaining" has stopped. With the iDrive interface, BMW has clearly passed that threshold which is why it is one of the top rated infotainment system interfaces in production now...
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      04-01-2020, 09:56 AM   #4
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I tested several MB GLE 450's with the new MBUX system. There is a lot to like about it (Great looking displays, easy to use touch-screens, etc.) but the one design decision MB made that I just didn't care for is their new touchpad. Like all new tech it may just be a matter of getting use to it but I personally prefer the iDrive control wheel. There is still room for improvement in iDrive but BMW is on a very good track and will likely continue to improve iDrive.
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      04-01-2020, 11:26 AM   #5
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I think the current offering from MB is more show than functionality. It looks great the screens are integrated really well into the dashboard but I still don't care for it... That being said is quantum leaps ahead of their previous version. Not one feature or function operates as designed in any of the MB products I own(ed).
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      04-01-2020, 12:45 PM   #6
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As many of you have already alluded to, IMHO, the concept of a touchpad does not seem conducive to an automotive environment - and I am a fan of almost all new car tech. A laptop yes, not so sure about a car though, especially while driving. I have never tried the MB touchpad before, but I have had the iDrive touchpad in my M3 for the past 3+ years and I can count on one hand the number of times I have used that functionality - the iDrive touch pad is somewhat limited anyway.
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      04-01-2020, 01:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
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As many of you have already alluded to, IMHO, the concept of a touchpad does not seem conducive to an automotive environment - and I am a fan of almost all new car tech. A laptop yes, not so sure about a car though, especially while driving.
There's nothing compared to the mess that was the Lexus joystick/pointer. Who in R&D thought operating a joystick to move a pointer on the display was a good idea going 55+mph?
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      04-01-2020, 01:52 PM   #8
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There's nothing compared to the mess that was the Lexus joystick/pointer. Who in R&D thought operating a joystick to move a pointer on the display was a good idea going 55+mph?
Haha... "Joystick", now that takes me back to my Atari 2600 days waaaaaay back in the day ....
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      04-01-2020, 03:35 PM   #9
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Quote:
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There's nothing compared to the mess that was the Lexus joystick/pointer.
fact. probably one of the dumbest designs in the asian vehicles but not the worst. that lexus knob and interface was exactly like using a colecovision controller back in day.
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      04-01-2020, 04:44 PM   #10
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Now if they could just make the touch system in the knob less useless. It's there. It works. But does nothing. Wouldn't it be nice if you could use your finger on it like a mouse and then push down to click. Instead of scrolling up and down just use your finger to get to the spot in the display screen quickly.
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      04-01-2020, 05:32 PM   #11
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I don't mean to pile on Lexus because I was a faithful Lexus buyer for many years, but their current infotainment system is way behind the competition. I was just at an auto show 8 weeks back and sat in the new LS 500. It's a very nice vehicle but the infotainment system is subpar IMO. They're touchpad is just miserable to use and in no way compares to iDrive. Mercedes Benz new touchpad is better and easier to use but again as was pointed out above, it's not really conducive to a moving vehicle.
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      04-01-2020, 06:30 PM   #12
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Exactly, I would rather have them ignore the idea completely like Porsche has for over a decade or the way LR/RR did for some time. Why rollout something useless over something that has worked for years?
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