BMW has eliminated the iDrive knob in favor of haptic controls and a full-width display.

      BMW

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      Ah, the iDrive knob. BMW's dial was a creative effort to enhance control over the numerous new features that cars began to introduce around 25 years ago. However, there has been so much discussion surrounding it that I'm genuinely unsure of its current reception. What will its legacy be? Was it loved, loathed, or simply regretted? These are the reflections we can now entertain, as today marks the end of the iDrive dial, and the 2026 BMW iX3 is setting the stage for what comes next: an abundance of steering wheel controls and a notably large display.

      The iX3 is undeniably one of the year's most significant car announcements. I’m struggling to recall a BMW model during my lifetime that has had such an impact on design and engineering. Perhaps it was the first Bangle-butt 7 Series, which introduced the iDrive. In any event, the iX3, along with all upcoming Neue Klasse vehicles, will feature BMW's new Operating System X. The intended usage of this software encourages you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road—most of the time.

      When you do need to glance away, it won’t have to be far. The iX3 showcases a 43-inch display running from pillar to pillar just below the windshield, directly connected to the controls on the SUV's uniquely designed steering wheel akin to a concept car. Fun fact: this isn’t a traditional display but rather a printed black surface onto which content is projected. Cool!

      The steering wheel controls are indeed haptic, and the buttons on the right side are for functions like volume, playback, and phone calls. This section also features an outlined directional pad that the driver uses to scroll through various widget collections—one for navigation, trip information, and performance metrics. Additionally, there's a Personal page with six customizable slots for widgets, set up via the central infotainment touchscreen.

      The opposite side of the wheel encompasses all cruise control and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions, with a design markedly different from the right side. The keys will illuminate only when the corresponding functions are available, streamlining the layout.

      Regarding the absence of traditional physical buttons on the wheel, I share your concern. At least the surface where your thumbs rest isn’t completely flat. It has small ridges and indentations, which help you identify the location of keys without needing to look. BMW does mention haptic feedback related to the wheel controls, so certain areas of the panels might provide some tactile response as you move your thumbs. While confirmation feedback is beneficial, the real annoyance often lies in searching for buttons before receiving confirmation. Hopefully, BMW has addressed this issue.

      As expected, BMW also encourages vehicle interaction via voice commands, promising that the experience will be smooth and intuitive thanks to the integration of a large language model.

      That voice system must be reliable, especially since there aren’t many other buttons in the iX3’s interior. All climate controls are managed through the infotainment display, including vent positioning. There’s a lever for shifting and a scroll wheel for volume next to it, which will likely only be used by the front passenger. That’s essentially it.

      So, farewell to the iDrive knob. You fulfilled your role, and how effectively will be determined by history. But if this new Panoramic iDrive experience proves to be cumbersome, I'm sure there will be enthusiasts longing for your comeback.

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