[Besharaf]

Saw this article pop up on my feed and groaned seeing another iDrive 8 vehicle coming, however the close up spy shot shows the car having physical buttons!

Could the all-touch been for EVs only?

Article

[NightWriter]

Maybe/hopefully. The XM prototype also incorporated buttons as well, so perhaps it's only the i-series cars that will be configured with the full-Teslafication motif.

... though from a bean counter perspective, I imagine the temptation is strong to standardize on a single interior, especially with higher-volume models like the i4/i3/G20/G80. The new i3:

[MassComp]

Hard to make an assumption from a test mule.

I for one don't mind the new dash (second picture), very modern and minimalist, but I admit I'd like to see better integration of the screen into the dashboard and some of the most used functions stay as buttons....

[Besharaf]

The row with the volume knob is missing buttons might mean this may be closer to the design though? I hate how the screen isn't integrated but if it has buttons I wouldn't mind it as well.

[SteveinArizona]

I have always wanted buttons and switches for the features I might use while driving. The rest can be buried in the menus as far as I am concerned. But tomorrow morning I have a test drive scheduled in an IX and I will see how bad it is without them.

[xlover]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Maybe/hopefully. The XM prototype also incorporated buttons as well, so perhaps it's only the i-series cars that will be configured with the full-Teslafication motif.

... though from a bean counter perspective, I imagine the temptation is strong to standardize on a single interior, especially with higher-volume models like the i4/i3/G20/G80. The new i3:

Agree, the xm is a strong indicator the climate buttons will remain for the series models. Being a concept they purposely could have set the tone the other way. Have to assume that design was very deliberate. I can't imagine the run of the mill badge buyer (most of bmws market….) being ready for a full touch only experience.

Hear you on the temptation to standardize but I think this has to be one where the cost benefit goes the other way… the number of complaints and genius reps they will need to field all the calls asking how to change some simple setting from those who are not tech savvy.

In the ev market it is expected a buyer will be tech savvy. I think it would be a massive mistake for bmw to assume their general buyers market is ready.

[snareman]

I drove an iX today while the iDrive 8 screen is beautiful, the lack of buttons was frustrating.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I have always wanted buttons and switches for the features I might use while driving. The rest can be buried in the menus as far as I am concerned. But tomorrow morning I have a test drive scheduled in an IX and I will see how bad it is without them.

Didn't get to drive it. Someone at the dealership put the test vehicle in for a software update. Since I don't plan to replace my 530e with a BEV until late 2023 or 2024...I am in no rush. If not before, I will get a chance to do it at the UDE autocross event.