After BMW announced that the new iDrive system will be offered in the 3-Series, spy pictures reveal that the new iDrive will also be available in the next generation 5 Series and probably the 7-Series.

Obviously BMW has learned from their mistakes and the new iDrive system seems to be simplifying things for the driver and the new row of buttons around the knob will help navigate faster through menus and settings.

With iDrive, BMW has opened up a new development in driver orientation and vehicle control, enabling you to control all kinds of different functions through just a few instrument in new, logical arrangement.

The small number of control elements really crucial to driving, plus the most frequently-used functions, are positioned around and on the steering wheel. These include indicators, windscreen wipers, headlight controls and basic sound system and communication controls. As the driver, you never need to take your hands from the wheel. Key driving data such as speed and navigation directions are presented in your line of sight, on the Info Display or the Head-Up Display.

Most other functions - from the air conditioner and navigation settings to BMW Assist and suspension settings - are activated through the Controller: a single turn-and-push dial in the center console. It enables intuitive operation in a precise dialogue with the Control Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel.