New BMW head-up display will span the entire width of the windshield

BMW boss Oliver Zipse has confirmed that BMW's panoramic full-width head-up display, previewed at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, will make its way into production cars in 2025, with him making the announcement at the brand's 2023 annual conference.

As we already know, this system will be one of the forward-looking technologies that BMW will introduce in its next Neue Klasse cars, such as the future BMW 3 Series. BMW first introduced an on-board computer with a digital display in the 7 Series in the 1980s, but now the automaker prefers to first launch new technologies in more affordable compact cars. This is the strategy it will adopt in iDrive 9.

The windshield becomes a single large display with our new BMW Surround Vision, opening up entirely new possibilities in vehicle design,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Development at BMW AG. “Whether the driver decides for himself which information he wants to be displayed in his field of vision or all occupants can see the entire content,” the technology will make the experience safer and more customizable.

This effectively confirms the arrival of technology spotted by CarBuzz in February, which can turn off the screen if the driver's eyes wander over it while driving.

Weber added: "The revolutionary projection and the more clearly structured cockpit give an impressive new sense of space and driving feeling. We are taking our tried-and-tested 'Eyes on the Road – Hands on the Wheel' motto to a new level.

To ensure that all occupants can see the content clearly, “BMW Surround Vision displays information relevant to the driver and passengers with increased light intensity and contrast, in a dark-coated area on the lower edge of the windshield.

This means that, unlike existing HUD systems, the display won't be transparent. There is, however, a traditional HUD element, with lane markings still projected onto the windshield above a black strip. Also, the placement of the surround vision display will certainly help drivers keep their eyes on the road. Being legible means it requires less attention to understand than existing graphics, which are barely visible in direct sunlight.

BMW says new media and entertainment features for all passengers will be presented in detail in due course, along with other iDrive developments in the Neue Klasse.

BMW's most futuristic technology will hit the road in just a few years - will the Bavarian automaker revolutionize infotainment again, or does another manufacturer have a better idea?