BMW has officially bid farewell to its gesture controls with the debut of its next-generation infotainment system, Panoramic iDrive. Unveiled at CES 2025 as part of the automaker’s “Neue Klasse” platform, this move marks a significant shift in BMW’s approach to in-car technology. While the gesture control feature was ambitious in its conception, many BMW enthusiasts – ourselves included – found it more of a novelty than a genuinely useful tool.

For years, BMW offered gesture controls in its vehicles, allowing drivers to perform actions like turning up the volume by twirling a finger in the air or skipping a track with a thumb point. It sounded futuristic, but in practice, the system often fell short. During our own time behind the wheel of various BMW models, we had mixed feelings about these features. While there were moments where it felt cool or convenient, most of the time, it came off as a gimmick – an innovation looking for a problem to solve. That said, we could see how some consumers might have found limited use cases for it, especially in scenarios where touching physical controls wasn’t ideal.

However, BMW’s decision to abandon gesture controls in favor of improved voice commands and redesigned user interfaces is a sign the brand is embracing a more practical approach.

What’s New with BMW’s Panoramic iDrive

BMW’s CES 2025 press conference focused heavily on technology, and at the heart of it was the Panoramic iDrive system. This next-generation infotainment setup aims to revolutionize how drivers interact with their cars. Gone are the traditional two-screen layouts that have defined BMW interiors for years. Instead, the Panoramic iDrive features a sleek, augmented interface that projects critical information onto a display at the base of the windshield, complemented by a central tablet-style screen.

BMW claims this setup enhances safety by keeping drivers’ eyes closer to the road, as information is now integrated into the windshield’s display zone. The new system also introduces customizable displays, which allow drivers to expand certain applications – like navigation – onto the larger central screen for more detailed views.

In addition to this futuristic display arrangement, BMW is sticking to some tried-and-true control methods, such as multifunction steering wheel buttons that light up only when active. These controls now incorporate haptic feedback, making them more intuitive to use without taking your eyes off the road.

Why Gesture Controls Had to Go

BMW’s gesture controls never quite delivered on their promise. While they initially wowed with the idea of waving a hand to control functions, the execution left much to be desired. The system often misread gestures, failed to recognize commands, or simply felt redundant compared to more straightforward options like physical buttons or voice commands.

Beyond functionality, there’s also the matter of ergonomics. Taking your hand off the steering wheel to perform a mid-air motion isn’t necessarily safer or more efficient than reaching for a button or knob. Moreover, many owners weren’t even aware gesture controls existed or how to use them – an indication that the feature wasn’t as intuitive as BMW likely hoped.

In replacing these gestures, BMW is doubling down on voice control, which has improved dramatically over the years thanks to advancements in natural language processing. While we’ve yet to test the effectiveness of BMW’s new voice assistant, it’s likely a more accessible and consistent solution for most drivers.

The Real Test – Hard Buttons vs. Digital Controls

While BMW’s pivot away from gesture controls is a step in the right direction, its broader push toward minimalism raises some questions. The Panoramic iDrive’s heavy reliance on touch and voice commands could potentially alienate drivers who still value physical controls for essential functions. Features like climate control, for example, are far easier to manage with tactile buttons or dials than navigating through a touchscreen menu or issuing a voice command.

BMW isn’t alone in facing this challenge – brands like Volkswagen and Honda have learned the hard way that moving away from physical controls can frustrate consumers. In fact, Honda recently reintroduced physical knobs for volume and climate controls after customers complained about their absence in previous designs. Hopefully, BMW will take note and strike the right balance between digital sophistication and tangible usability.

A More Intuitive Future

BMW’s decision to cut gesture controls may feel like a small change, but it’s emblematic of a broader shift within the automotive industry. Automakers are beginning to recognize that high-tech features need to add real value, not just flash. While Panoramic iDrive has the potential to offer a more streamlined and futuristic driving experience, it will ultimately be judged by how well it serves drivers in everyday situations.

As we look to the Neue Klasse generation of BMWs, the emphasis on practicality and user-centered design will be key. Gesture controls may not have worked out, but the lessons learned from their shortcomings could pave the way for smarter, more intuitive innovations in the future. After all, in-car tech should simplify driving – not complicate it.

What do you think of BMW’s decision to scrap gesture controls? Share your thoughts in the comments below!