I haven't seen that design in other marques, probably because other manufacturers think it's horrible, imho rightly so, so how come BMW?
It's being done across the board now, unfortunately, with other makes. I hate it. Looks cheap (GARMIN) and tacked on. They think it's a fashionable thing as if propping a wannabee "iPad" on the dash is supposed to look good. I'm sure if Apple designed a car, they'd have more sense and taste than to prop an iPad on the dash. It'll be a passing fad, and look dated soon, I think. I prefer a more refined and integrated look, i.e a screen that actually is meant to look right in a car.
Not only BMW uses such solution. Check MB new B, new A class, check VW Up! (which already has a dedicated detachable PID unit) etc It's a new trend in automotive industry. I guess in the (near?) future there will be a dock only in the central dash, and you'll be able to put your own system compatible pad / smartphone there - loaded with proper dedicated apps by the car maker, so the car's infotainment system will be displayed via the pad. Controlled either via touchscreen or the central knob & buttons in the central tunnel. From the design engineering point of view such solution is good since they can keep the dash lower - without the hump - so the road view is better. And its a cheaper & less complicated solution than eg. pop-up display which requires space in the dash - so the HVAC & HiFi systems can be specially designed (thinner), wiring has to be done more carefully to make space there etc.
The difference is these models are at the cheap end of the market, and their designs are obviously made to be lo-cost options. Bit different on the 6 Series. As it happens, I actually like the iPad style screen on the 6 Series.
Totally agree The idea of a dock seems interesting (they would all need to agree on a standard size though, and seeing as the japanese are always miles ahead, only a few manufacturers would stick to it, if any.. but still a good idea). I don't agree about the design engineering point of view, this is also the point I am talking about. A pop-up solution as you mention is the best solution and it answers all the concerns, in an elegant integrated fashion. The fact that it is slightly more expensive (rerouting the HVAC underneath) makes it all the more desirable and expected in a BMW. I am sure BMW would claim that a screen on top of the dash it distracts the driver less from the road. If BMW insists that it is better to put it up there, it should do it properly (pop-up) and not the KIA way. Otherwise, just do what the whole planet has been doing, place it slightly lower where it is properly integrated. Mike
It was designed in principle to mimic a flat screen TV which adds a distinctive premium flavor. It is symbolizes a changing modern trend where you used to have your TV hidden away and now you mount it on your wall as a decorative piece. The BMWi8 Will receive a much wider screen in order to showcase the connectivity and mobility features. The next 7er will get two screens that will extend into the passengers side aswell as a passenger HUD display and touchpad, showcased in the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car allowing the driver to concentrate on driving with the passenger selecting the route etc and sliding it towards the driver which can then be displayed via the HUD. Primarily the reason on why future BMW's interiors are being designed with a "Shelf-like" facia in order to accomodate this technology later in their lifecycle once the 7er is on the market.
Thanks for this and other responses, I kinda get it a bit more now, but my answer is the same: too futuristic, and seems like a work in progress that should be released only when the full package is ready rather than force the customer base to a design that needs a white paper explaining the concept (like Bangle's designs), BMW need to focus more on what matters Mike
Well generally i prefer the integrated ones but the 6er's screen is by far the best looking in the business hands down.
Tarek, is this what you mean? Well that is very different from the 3 series one, it looks like a thick wide screen on the dash, not like a non-removable tablet. Mike
Might not be so easy to read in sunlight, though? Could one fit a little roof overhang to provide more shade, maybe, like on the IC? http://translate.google.com/transla...ericht-bmw-640i-fazit_aid_641853.html&act=url
yeah it looks way more premium and integrated than F30's one but of course that is to be expected. Having said that i really don't have a problem with the F30 screen and as mention in Scott post the FL will bring different design for it.
Actually BMW screens are coated with AN ANTI-GLARE substance that allows the screen to be readable in strong sunlight from the drivers POV.
I think the 6ers is the ONLY one that I like too. Because they actually have a thick and substantial screen that doesn't look like some aftermarket POS (just about every other car with it). I still like an integrated look, however. To me, this will be akin to 80's cars with digital readouts in that it's waaayyy too "fashionable for today", and will date a car to make it look funny in a decade and beyond from now. It's hilarious that it's supposed to mimmic a Flatscreen TV, as that being the inspiration alone will tell you how fast it will look time-specific and dated. I usually like the tech aspect to be a subtle compliment to design, rather than overtake it, in a car, as tech and "tech fashion" dates quicker than anything.
^ agree, but it looks very nice on the 3er too I think, not just the 6er. Much better than a double hump or high dashboard And besides that, it's actually true....BMW buyers are more interested in gadgets than the buyers of most other brands.. iPad wannabe this, iPad wannabe that....both the 3er and 6er interiors were designed before the first iPad even came out. The 6er for sure.
This is exactly how I feel, wasn't sure how to put it in words. BMW has definitely put concepts, design, philosophies of driving and of the interface between humans and the automotive world, way ahead of anything related to technical engineering. To appreciate a BMW you need to ask the designer what he was thnking and what his wet dream was the night before he made this design, to understand what it stands for, but understanding dosn't help me like it, i either like or don't like, whereas the esthetics of many Audis, Mercedes's even, Maseratis and others can be appreciated by looking at them.. without a user manual.. Mike
