We’ve gotten another look at the F15 X5’s interior and it provides the best idea yet of what it will look like once revealed.

Interior / Wheels

The F15 X5’s general dashboard design takes after the F30 3 Series with a multi-layered look. Compared to the current X5 (E70), the next X5’s dashboard has also become more driver-centric, a design element seen in recent new BMW models. It will also be more upright compared to the current X5’s dashboard, which angles and curves away sharply from the driver and passenger. See a comparison image below.

Following on the design of the newest BMW models, the next X5 will feature a large free-standing navigation/infotainment LCD screen. This screen looks to be the 8.8 inch panel used in the latest … CONTINUED

Testing and development of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) continues, with the prototypes undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden.

As always, don’t worry about the headlights and tail lights of the prototypes at this stage of testing. They are merely fakes for testing purposes. Expect the 4GC to share the lights with the rest of the upcoming 4 Series lineup.

Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be positioned and priced in the 3/4 Series lineup just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup (in between the coupe and convertible models). [See our recent article previewing the future 4 Series / M4 lineup].

Like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe combines the convenience … CONTINUED

Our latest spy photos of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) may not reveal anything new for the exterior [see past spy photos] , but this is the first look at the F36’s interior.

And it looks just like the F30 3 Series interior. But, what’s new is the presence of the iDrive Touch controller. This comes as no surprise as BMW has already announced details for a touch sensitive iDrive controller knob and it’s been previously seen on the 2014 BMW X5 (F15) prototype. The iDrive Touch system will debut with the next X5 in Fall 2013 as that comes before the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s expected debut in 2014.

Inside is some official information on the upcoming iDrive Touch system and a video demonstration.

The … CONTINUED

With the official announcement from BMW of the New Navigation Professional and iDrive/ConnectedDrive, many of you have inquired when the technology (both a software and hardware [cpu, graphics processor, hard drive] upgrade) would be implemented on the various models.

Below is the scheduled rollout for the new navigation and iDrive. These dates do not apply to the new iDrive Touch system, which will have a separate rollout and application schedule.

[b]]July 2012 Production:[/b]

3 Series touring and Activehybrid 3 (F31/F30h)
5 Series, 5 Series GT, 5 Series LWB (F10/F11/F07/F18)
M5 (F10M)
7 Series (F01)
M6 Coupe and Convertible (F12/F13M)

[b]November 2012 Production:[/b]

3 Series Sedan (F30)

[b]March 2013 Production:[/b]

1 Series Hatchback (F20/F21)
6 Series Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe (F12/F13/F06)

[b]April 2013 Production:[/b]

X3 (F25)

For those curious, the list of hardware upgrades (vs. the current) … CONTINUED

BMW ConnectedDrive has been setting the pace in the field of automotive connectivity for many years now, and is renowned for forward-looking in-car concepts and technologies that maximise customer benefit. The new functions mark another milestone in the BMW ConnectedDrive success story and once again demonstrate how the BMW Group is striving to retain its status as the leading innovator in this area.

Preh GmbH, an automotive supplier to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, of climate controls, driver controls, sensor systems, ECUs, and instruments panels, has released a clip which previews some of the uses and functions which a touchpad iDrive controller could incorporate and facilitate.

A prototype touchpad iDrive controller system has already been spied on the 2014 BMW X5 (F15) test mule, so we can expect it to begin appearing on BMW models by the end of 2013 / early 2014 with the release of the 2014 X5.

Some of the features shown in the video (such as blackpanel surfaces) do not apply, as it was part of a new center console design concept presented by Preh as the 2007 IAA, but what’s interesting is seeing the use of an … CONTINUED

The next generation 2014 X5 (F15) continues its cold weather testing and our spies have spotted the F15 interior for the first time. Below are images of two different prototype X5s, each having different gauges and iDrive buttons. It seems that final designs on those two parts have not yet been finalized and are still undergoing evaluation. The first design seen below shows a larger iDrive button design which features a touchpad surface on top. This dash also features a full black panel display.

Following on the design of the new 6 series (F12/13), 1 series hatchback (F20/21) and new 3 series (F30), the next X5 will feature a large free-standing navigation/infotainment LCD screen. This screen looks to the 8.8 inch panel used in the 6 … CONTINUED