BMW iDrive to Get Touchscreen, gesture recognition

BMW AG says in about two years it will roll out a next-generation version of its iDrive control system with a touchscreen and the ability to recognize midair hand gestures.

The system, which uses a camera mounted above the rearview mirror, will initially be able to respond to pointing, swiping and hand rotation motions made in the vicinity of the center stack. For example, the driver could accept an incoming phone call or e-mail message by pointing at but not touching the control screen.

The upgrade could appear as soon as this autumn in BMW's flagship 7 Series sedan, Automotive News Europe predicts. The touch-sensitive screen and gesture recognition capabilities will supplement but not replace the current iDrive's control knob, auxiliary buttons and voice recognition features.

BMW says the expanded system will include Samsung Electronics Co.-supplied tablets for backseat passengers that enable them to surf the Web and use Android-based apps.