Car News Today: BMW iDrive, Honda-Nissan Partnership, and EV Price Drops
This Friday, January 11th, 2025, brings a diverse mix of automotive news. From technological advancements to potential industry collaborations and pricing updates, here’s your quick recap.
BMW Unveils Panoramic iDrive Technology
BMW has revealed its innovative Panoramic iDrive system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the US. This new technology showcases significant changes in the company’s interior design philosophy.
The core of the system is based on a new Operating System X. BMW claims this system is built upon an “Android Open Source Project,” similar to the old Operating System 9, but with substantially increased power, ease of updating, and both forward and backward compatibility with existing technologies. A striking feature is a full-width black printed surface integrated between the A-pillars, setting it apart from conventional touchscreen designs. The system integrates a 3D Head-Up Display, initially aimed at higher-end models, that provides a panoramic view across the entire width of the vehicle’s interior.
BMW has confirmed that Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X will be available in all models by the end of 2025.
Honda Eyes Nissan Collaboration
At the recent CES event, Honda indicated its interest in using Nissan’s expertise and product range to address gaps in its own lineup. This strategy is part of the proposed merger between the two Japanese automakers. Honda executives, speaking to the North American market, highlighted the potential to repurpose Nissan’s Armada (Patrol) SUV, along with the Frontier (Navara) and Titan pickup trucks.
This potential collaboration, if implemented globally, would also directly impact the Australian market, where the Navara and Patrol are important models for Nissan, but in segments not covered by Honda.
Chery Reduces Omoda E5 Price
Chery is offering a “New Year bonus” by reducing the price of its Omoda E5 electric vehicle by $6,000. This price cut applies across all E5 variants. The entry-level BX version now starts from $36,990 before on-road costs, making it the most affordable electric SUV in Australia, according to Chery.
Lewis Lu, CEO of Chery Australia, stated: “A key focus for Chery in 2025 will be building our New Energy vehicle credentials, and this is just the beginning of an exciting year ahead, with several new model launches to come.”
This offer is effective as of January 10th, 2025, and is available for a limited time. Vehicles can be test driven at dealerships now.
The next edition of Car News Today will be published on Monday, January 13th, at 4:30 pm Sydney time.
