Invented in Northern California's Silicon Valley, BMW's term for the human interface used in the new 7 Series is "iDrive". Here's how iDrive works:

• The functions most important for motoring and safety on the road have been moved to the direct vicinity of the driver. 
• All primary driving functions are in the area around the steering wheel, offering the driver more immediate access to key controls. 
• Second level functions are controlled by conventional switches on the instrument panel, like the lights switch or the air conditioning temperature setting.
• Many controls are operated with a single large, multifunction knob located in the console between the front seats. The control consists of a combination rotary and push button for selecting functions. Confirmation of the selected mode is displayed on a dash mounted screen. 

Users can change functions -- from communications to climate control, navigation or entertainment -- by pushing the console knob forward or back, or side-to-side. By twisting the knob, they can scroll through menus. And by clicking a button located in the middle of the knob, they can select functions. 

"iDrive" takes into account the fact that comfort, communication and driver assistance functions are only rarely adjusted while driving. The operating unit in the center console gives the driver direct access to many other driving functions and information and communication options. Several hundred functions can be controlled with this device.

There are four levers on the steering column for the direction indicators, windshield wipers, cruise control, and the automatic transmission. The transmission control has a selector lever for activating the P, R, N, and D functions. By pressing the new Steptronic buttons located in the thumb area of the multifunction steering wheel, you can switch from automatic to manual transmission control.

A computer-type monitor is positioned directly within the driver's line of vision to the road ahead. There are displays for the navigation system, Active Cruise Control (ACC) and much more. 

The large monitor in the center of the dashboard displays all the information the driver needs, apart from the speedometer and tachometer, which are conventional analog instruments. The monitor is positioned within the driver's field of vision, allowing it to be viewed while focusing attention on the road ahead.

The third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) enables the wireless services used by iDrive, with data transfer rates of 2 Mbps.

In the new 7 Series, BMW gives the driver access to a mobile Internet gateway using WAP technology.

BMW ConnectedDrive includes BMW Assist, BMW Online and driver assistance systems. BMW Online (not BMW Assist) supports sending and receiving e-mails. In the new BMW 7 Series,  you cannot buy and sell stocks or make online purchases, but the BMW Online feature is able to give you information about stocks through Wallstreet.online and can tell you, for example, which parking garage is open at a certain time and how many spots are still available (this service is currently offered in Germany only). The BMW Assist feature supports emergency and break-down-calls, traffic information, concierge services and BMW Info (most services are currently offered in Germany only).

The mechanism uses the iDrive console to connect to the ConnectedDrive service. The service features intelligent networking of information and assistance systems for the car.

Incorporating the mobile telephone network, this service can make an alarm call in severe accidents, connect the driver to BMW’s stand-by breakdown service, offer real-time traffic information, and provide a mobility-enhancing enquiry service in Germany. 

Another feature already in place in Germany is the data feedback function transmitting address data and telephone numbers of service stations, hotels or the venues of specific events, from a BMW Call Center straight to the navigation system or telephone of a car on the road.

Together with the Controller and Control Display, the driver is able to access and retrieve services using a clear and straightforward menu. In the future, the system may use voice recognition technology.

Ten new exterior colors, more leather choices, and new wool blend fabrics

BMW has added more choices of color and fabric for the new 7 Series.  The ten new exterior colors will be complemented by new leathers, wool blends, and complementary wood grain trims. The new exterior colors will be deep, metallic hues.