Farewell to a Legend: BMW Says Goodbye to the iDrive Knob and Gesture Control

It’s the end of an era. BMW is officially retiring the iconic iDrive knob a staple feature in their cars since it first arrived in 2001. With the introduction of BMW's latest Panoramic iDrive infotainment system, the round controller that guided generations of drivers is no more.

A Legacy That Started in 2001

The iDrive knob first appeared in the E65/E66 7 Series back in 2001. At the time, it was revolutionary. It offered a new way to interact with a growing number of vehicle features, condensing controls into a single scroll-and-click wheel. Over the years, it became a signature of BMW’s driver-focused approach to technology.

The Inevitable Shift to Touch

BMW has been slowly transitioning away from the physical knob for some time. Models like the X2, which run iDrive 9, already rely entirely on touchscreen controls. Others, like the X3, had still held onto the knob. But with the launch of BMW’s new Operating System X and Panoramic iDrive interface, the change is now official  the knob is gone for good.

Why Did BMW Kill the iDrive Knob?

According to Joern Freyer, BMW’s head of user interaction, the decision wasn’t easy. The iDrive knob had become an integral part of the BMW experience. But it came down to data. BMW noticed that drivers were increasingly using the touchscreen and voice commands, leaving the knob untouched. Newer versions of iDrive (8, 8.5, and 9) already leaned heavily into touch-first interfaces, making the knob feel redundant.

Touch and Voice Take the Wheel

With the new Panoramic iDrive, BMW is focusing purely on touch and voice control. This means software can now be designed with a singular vision no need to balance two different modes of interaction. The updated interface features a sleek menu system, touch climate controls, and visuals that BMW says will be more intuitive than ever.

Not Just About Tech Cost Plays a Role Too

Of course, there’s also a practical reason: cost. The iDrive knob was a complex, sometimes luxurious piece of tech. BMW crafted it using everything from simple plastic to high-end glass-like crystal. It was even a point of pride in many models. Removing it means fewer moving parts, simplified production, and a bit of cost saving on the assembly line.

Gesture Control Gets the Axe Too

The iDrive knob isn’t the only feature headed for retirement. BMW is also killing off Gesture Control. First introduced about a decade ago, the feature allowed users to wave their hand or spin their finger in the air to control the system — like a digital magic trick. Fun at parties? Sure. Practical? Not really.

BMW admits that gesture control was rarely used. And while it did improve over the years, it never quite became essential. So, in the company’s words, it’s time to let it go. Compared to the iDrive knob, this is likely to be a much less controversial decision many owners didn’t even realize they had it.

A Moment of Reflection

The iDrive knob gave us control, convenience, and even a bit of class. It was more than just a part of the infotainment system it was a symbol of BMW’s innovative spirit. As we move into a world of sleek touchscreens and voice assistants, it’s worth pouring one out for the humble control wheel that guided us for nearly 25 years.

FAQs

What is the BMW iDrive knob?

The iDrive knob was a rotary controller introduced by BMW in 2001. It allowed users to control the infotainment system, navigation, and other vehicle settings without touching the screen. It became a signature feature in BMW vehicles for over two decades.

Why is BMW removing the iDrive knob?

BMW decided to remove the iDrive knob due to user behavior and data. Most drivers now prefer using touchscreen and voice controls. Newer iDrive versions (8, 8.5, 9) already prioritized touch functionality, and BMW found that many drivers were not using the knob at all.

What system is replacing it?

The iDrive knob is being phased out with the introduction of BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system and Operating System X. These focus exclusively on touchscreen and voice interactions, eliminating the need for a physical controller.

Is Gesture Control being removed too?

Yes, BMW is also removing Gesture Control from its infotainment systems. Although it was a fun and futuristic feature, it wasn’t widely used. Many drivers didn’t even realize it was available in their cars, and its practicality never quite lived up to the promise.

Will older BMWs still have the iDrive knob?

Yes, older models with iDrive systems prior to Panoramic iDrive (especially iDrive 7 and earlier) will still have the iDrive knob. Only new models with Operating System X will come without it.

Does this change affect the driving experience?

It depends on personal preference. Some longtime BMW drivers may miss the tactile feel and precision of the knob. However, BMW believes that the streamlined touch and voice control experience in the new system will be more intuitive and user-friendly overall.

What models still had the iDrive knob before it was removed?

Before its complete removal, models like the X3 still retained the iDrive knob, while newer models like the X2 with iDrive 9 had already transitioned to touch-only controls.

Is this the end of physical controls in BMWs?

Not entirely, but it's a step in that direction. With the iDrive knob and Gesture Control gone, BMW is clearly leaning into minimal, screen-based user experiences. Time will tell how this shift impacts everyday usability and driver satisfaction.