BMW’s controversial iDrive interface will apparently be part of the picture for the 7-Series-based Rolls-Royce RR4, set to be unveiled this spring at the Geneva Motor Show. BMW recently released an upgraded – and simplified – iDrive system on a handful of 2009 models and it’s expected that the RR4 will get a similar system.
Auto Express’ photographers nabbed a shot of the control lever, which looks to be similar at least in concept to BMW’s iDrive system. Though the button arrangement is different than on the BMW system – which is identical on all BMWs so-equipped – the basic concept appears to be identical.
The entry-level RR4, slotted below the Phantom in the British marque’s lineup, will apparently share more than just a platform with the 2009 BMW 7-Series.
Leftlane got an early look at the new iDrive system recently when we reviewed the 2009 BMW 335d sedan. We discovered that the new system’s graphics are top-notch, but the menuing system is still a little clunky. Fortunately, the voice command system is far more effective than before.
12/01, 2:52 PM
posted by:
Borat
Now I have to send my chauffeur to iDrive seminar to get familiarized with this gizmo?
12/01, 2:54 PM
posted by:
axium
The Phantom has reskinned idrive interface… why wouldnt rr4?
12/01, 3:11 PM
posted by:
pzimet
axium: Very true. It essentially HAS idrive in all of its glory.
iDrive, btw, is not that bad. Yes, it’s more complicated than competing navigation systems, but if you have half a brain it’s pretty easy to figure out, took me around 12 min to fully master it. It’s not that deep, get over it, the media exaggerates this ****.
12/01, 3:58 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i actually really like the idrive, but i think it looks retarded in that pic!
12/01, 4:57 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
A buddy of mine has a M5 and love’s the I-drive, he still will not shut-up about it, but then again he’s a real electronics’s junky…
12/01, 5:40 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
my dad has a 750i and yeah i did have to show him how to use it (he’s 59) but i didn’t open the manual and i, too, got it down in 15 minutes or so.
12/01, 5:58 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I don’t care for the iDrive, now I finally have a legitimate reason not to buy the Rolls RR4.
12/01, 6:25 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Next they’ll add a DJ mixing and scratching station.
12/01, 9:03 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>LOL[The Stig]…..my aunt has an ‘04 545i, and it only took me i would try do accuately guess 12minutes to master it too pzimet. Just like pzimet said it is more complicated than competing systems, but if you have half a brain then its really not that deep, the media exaggerates it so much.