BMW to Introduce Full LCD Gauges

Like Jaguar and Mercedes BMW is planning on introducing full LCD gauges on it’s higher priced models. According our friends at Autoblog the new technology will be introduced in the 5 and 7 Series during their mid life-cycle refresh in the next 2-3 years.
What does this mean for MINI? BMW is consistent with it’s approach of introducing new technology in higher-end models about 3-5 years before proliferating it throughout it’s line-up. We believe this could put this technology into the fourth generation MINI near 2020 in a worst case scenario and possibly even sooner.
Given the current 5 and 7 series gauges integrating LCD technology already it seems like a natural extension. However what we find interesting in the Autoblog story is the thought that BMW won’t simply be replicating the same analogue gauges in LCD form. Instead BMW intends on looking at the space as a ‘blank canvass’ to allow for better use of the space and better automotive-grade usability. Our sources have told us not to expect something entirely new and/or radical but instead look for smart ways to extend information given to the driver. We can’t help but think this type of thinking would fit well within MINI’s current and future design language.
While BMW plans on allowing the user to customize the data and look slightly, there is a concern that allowing too much freedom would cause usability concerns. Therefore look for user control to be present but kept to a minimum.
The 7 Series refresh is scheduled to be the first time we’ll see this new technology. Look for a debut sometime late next year.
21 Comments
<p>How is an LED imitating an analog display better?</p>
<p>The idea is that it won’t simply be imitating but re-imagining.</p>
<p>In theory, it could give a lot more flexibility. For example, if you were doing a track day you might be interested in tach, oil pressure and boost level. On the street, maybe tach, speedo and oil pressure. Perhaps they would allow the ability to pick the displays that you wanted and also maybe change from white on black to black on white or red on black. All I ask is that you don’t have the ability to mess with the display if the car is moving and in gear…</p>
<p>I agree, no messing about with the display while driving.</p>
<p>It has possibilities. Nice if they would allow drivers to choose what information to display such as; water temp, oil temp, oil pressure, boost, intake air temp, ambient air temp, throttle position ……</p>
<p>It has possibilities. Nice if they would allow drivers to choose what information to display such as; water temp, oil temp, oil pressure, boost, intake air temp, ambient air temp, throttle position ……</p>
<p>These are pricy to replace when they have faults.</p>
<p>But does give flexibility. I hope they can update the LCD screen skin to reflect glare and white out, which is the current problem with these in convertibles.</p>
<p>sounds great so long as they have the readability in bright sunlight licked</p>
<p>Of course eliminating the third-dimension from instrumentation will yield a negligibly more spacious cabin and perhaps provide for a less cluttered looking display. As is generally the case, whenever we replace the old with the new, we run the risk of diminishing (or completely destroying) significant design  aesthetic that we may later regret. As cool and alluring as new technology can be, I believe it is essential to weigh the pros and cons in the context of preserving tradition. It’s like going from wind-up mechanical watches to battery-operated LCD. There is something lost in the transition albeit not necessarily practical, but arguably the traditional aesthetic. For the “Rocketman” iteration, perhaps going LCD would be appropriate if we accept the Rocketman design et al as perpetuating the MINI design aesthetic in the first place.</p>
<p>What the heck is that gauge all the way to the right in that photo? Â I’ve never seen anything like that before…</p>
<p>Water temp</p>
<p>To me, one big concern with going this direction is the lag time that the screen refreshes and shows the data. They need to ensure that the “virtual” gauges have a VERY fast refresh rate, so that we’re not left with a choppy and annoying experience when the gauges are rapidly changing.</p>
<p>Or, more importantly, the reaction time of an LCD screen in cold weather, something which folks in Canada (myself included) see for six or more months of the year. To have an LCD gauge that responds as slowly as molasses in the cold could become very annoying – hence the reason I have no, nor will I ever have, a navigation or MINI Connected display installed in my car.</p>
<p>Save a spot in that display for night vision.</p>
<p>This will be great if the font can be customized! Perhaps someone will figure out how to hack these. Also how about making them look cool and not just like normal gauges.</p>
<p>I’m happy with the tach in front of me and speed in small numbers in the middle…Â It would be neat to be able to replace the numbers on the tach with increasingly happy smiley faces, though.</p>
<p>How about downloadable programs to customize the displays?</p>
<p>Now you’re onto something… Make that part of MINI Connected. After releasing MINI Connected for Android, of course.</p>
<p>Now you’re onto something… Make that part of MINI Connected. After releasing MINI Connected for Android, of course.</p>
<p>Hey,nice post.Its a great news that BMW going to introduce the LCD gauges.it could give a lot more flexibility.Thanks for sharing this article with us.Its great.I like this.Keep sharing with us.</p>
<p>Whenever I see, or hear of gauge design and changes, I can’t help but wonder what BMW/Mini has against oil pressure and temperature gauges? Â Also, especially with the JCW cars, why not a turbo boost gauge? Â Hi performance cars, low performance instrumentation. Â Go figure.</p>