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BMW has shown the first images of a close-to-production concept of its new 2026 iX3 and 3 Series interior design.
Known as ‘BMW Operating System X’, the distinguishing feature is a full-width, customisable information display beneath the windscreen known as ‘BMW Panoramic Vision’
First shown at the 2025 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in a current X3, BMW promises it will enter production by the end of this year, launching first in the electric iX3 and then 3 Series, both based on the Neue Klasse architecture.
From then on, it will be introduced on all new BMW models moving forward. It is a huge leap from the current ‘OS9’ cabin design, though remains based on Android Open Source Project software and will reportedly be backwards compatible with existing platforms.
Let’s tackle the main showpiece first, that ‘Panoramic Vision’ element. Projected onto a piece of black plastic, the information in front of the driver including speed and charge sounds like it is fixed.
The remaining two modules, in the centre and in front of the passenger, can have certain contents (known as ‘Widgets’) displayed, depending on your preference.
This is supplemented by an augmented reality head-up display for the driver only, which can overlay information, including navigation directions, on the road ahead.
BMW has not ditched the central touchscreen and, although it’s taller than the current 12.3-inch displays, it is not a total takeover as you’d see in a BYD, Tesla or Mercedes-Benz product.
The parallelogram screen has matrix backlight technology and a new menu structure with what BMW is calling ‘QuickSelect’. Up to 60 apps will be downloadable, says BMW.
As for control layout, there are haptic switches for key functions including indicators, wing mirrors, volume control, gear selection, de-misters and windscreen wipers. Many other controls including those for media, navigation, assisted driving and mode selection are in the touchscreen.
Some can be found on the new, quite hideous, four-spoke steering wheel. BMW is spruiking its approach as ‘shy-tech’, with sculpted haptic touch controls illuminated when available hopefully making selections easy.
Additionally, ‘Hey BMW’ features on the new operating system with natural voice commands, says the brand.
There’s more personalisation, too, with the ‘Personal’ mode allowing throttle and steering response to be tweaked. New driving sound profiles, known as ‘HypersonX’ will feature, too, with different tones for Personal and Sport modes.
The on-board operating system will be smart enough to know the route ahead, for example suggesting drivers to engage Sport mode if there’s an upcoming twisty section of road. This can be disabled, as well.
Despite all the whiz-bang tech, BMW promises that in the incoming age of ‘software designed vehicles’ “the driving experience takes centre stage” in the marque's vehicles.
“Technology and customer preferences are changing more quickly than ever. The design of digital experiences and sound is playing an ever more important role,” said senior VP of Design Adrian van Hooydonk.
“The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, it also enables much more extensive personalisation, which turns every new BMW into a car that is very much the user’s own.”
We know a few spare details about the new iX3 and its platform, including that it will use an 800-volt architecture.
This should improve energy density by 20 per cent, drop charge times by 30 per cent, all while supporting bi-directional charging.
Following will be M versions that will use a state-of-the-art 'Hand of God' vehicle control module and offer power up to 1000kW with four individual electric motors.
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