BMW iDrive Knob to Vanish as New System Goes Fully Touchscreen

Since its debut in 2001, BMW’s iconic iDrive controller knob has been a defining element of the brand’s interior design—but it is now quietly being phased out. The knob has already disappeared from all compact models, and the 2027 iX3 features an ultra-minimalist center console, marking its official end. At CES 2026, Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of UI/UX Development at BMW, stated that users testing the new iDrive X system have generally not requested a return to the physical knob. The new system consolidates most functions into a central touchscreen and integrates an upgraded Amazon Alexa+ voice assistant to deliver more natural interactions. By the end of next year, iDrive X will be rolled out across 40 new or updated models, with the exception of vehicles nearing the end of their lifecycle—such as the X4, Z4, and 8 Series. While BMW pursues cleaner, more digitalized interiors, the removal of physical controls (like those for air vent direction) has drawn criticism from some users, who are calling for a better balance between technology and practicality.