BMW looks set to switch to a new operating system for its infotainment setups, with rollout tipped for 2023.

Android Automotive Operating System (OS) is not to be confused with Android Auto – an in-car mirror of your phone’s functionality. We’re talking about a full Google-powered car infotainment system integrated into a vehicle.

We’ve already had a first taste of the system when we drove both the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid and the XC40 P8 Recharge electric vehicle. Our first impressions were not overwhelming, but to be fair, the previous Volvo Sensus system set the bar rather high.

Google in the Volvo XC60

Now, BMW has joined Volvo, Polestar and other brands as they’ve ditched their native OS for a Google-powered system. The news comes directly from BMW, who used the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress to announce its new plan. Not much detail was shared, but it will be interesting to see how its rolled out as not every model in BMW’s portfolio has received the brand-new Operating System 8, which we’ve sampled in the BMW iX and BMW i4 M50.

BMW’s Senior Vice President of Connected Company and Development Technical Operations, Stephan Durach, added “We are integrating the best aspects of all worlds – that could be our own in-house developments, Open Source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like.” He went on to say the company wants to make sure “our customers always enjoy a unique, customized digital experience in their vehicle.”

The great thing about Android Automotive OS is its open and customisable, and therefore BMW can create something that incorporates the best of Google (likes Maps) but still retains a BMW-like user experience.

You’d think a brand-new infotainment system would take some time to roll out, but BMW says the first cars equipped with Android Automotive OS will be revealed in March 2023. Watch this space!

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