BMW 7 Series Will Provide Dedicated Front Passenger Infotainment Option

2014 BMW 740Ld (Credit: BMW)

As the release of the next generation of the BMW 7 Series draws nearer, more details are leaking out about the luxury sedan. One of the latest is that a dedicated infotainment system will be available for the front passenger. It should be a unique feature that will appeal to a number of people who are looking to squeeze more technological options out of their car.

The unconfirmed feature would leverage the central infotainment system. Without providing distractions for the driver or conflicts with navigation or other aids, the front passenger will be able to use certain apps and other infotainment systems while the car is in motion. The passenger’s touchscreen is supposed to respond to the same tapping, swiping, and pinching actions as modern smartphones and tablets, which will make it more user friendly. Reportedly, the central infotainment screen can be used in the same ways.

It’s not clear if the new feature will utilize a second screen that is tilted toward the passenger seat, or if it will be located somewhere else in the front of the vehicle.

According to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, BMW is loading the new 7 Series up with a number of other cutting-edge technologies. The autonomous parking system BMW showed off recently at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas will also be included in the new model, although it might come with some changes. An improved Activing Driving Assistant will help with driving the car in tedious stop-and-go traffic. Another breakthrough innovation involves the driver donning glasses that help make the car’s A-pillars transparent, plus label different items like buildings and streets right in the driver’s field of vision.

The 2016 BMW 7 Series will also have a lower curb weight, thanks to the increased use of various lightweight materials. A full reveal of the new model and all of its features will be coming later in 2015.