Not 3.0. More like 2.1

6 (US; the other 2 are "Mode" and "AM/FM" buttons) or 8 (Europe) dedicated radio buttons (for radio stations presets) can be now also programmed as shortcut to phone nubmers & nav destinations.

Some menus (GUI) have been tweaked as well.

But nothing has been really changed much. The conncept stays same: rotating 5-way central controller with "Menu" escape button.

Totally new iDrive (3.0) will come with F01 7er in 2008. Much better execution of iDrive.


Not really. The car is actually only few kilograms (eg 15kg) heavier than E53 with same equippment & featuers! Despite being bigger in every dimension.

Of course they put new features & equippment in the packages which put on same additional weight. But comparing stripped E53 versions vs stripped 5-seat E70 version - E70 is only few kilograms heavier.

Yet still - this is a large SAV / SUV. Do not expect it to be under 2 tones.

They could have used an ASF or something to lose some weight.

"It seems a bit dainty for the platform, but opens up the console for afterthoughts like cup holders (“it vill hold ze Big Gulp,” we are assured). "


I love it!!!

ASF? What does that mean

If you are referring to lightened panels, etc., they have installed some in the front page of the car.

Aluminum space frame

It wouldn't hurt if you read car magazine reviews then you would know that MMI is considered easier to use than iDrive.

Audi Builds A Better iDrive
The automaker's MMI is supremely capable and, more importantly, comprehensible.
Enough has been written about BMW's iDrive to fill a 1,000-page driver's manual. Then again, iDrive owners need a 1,000-page manual to figure out how to use it. Credit Audi for succeeding where the vaunted Bavarian firm failed. After a week driving Audi's new 2004 A8, we can report that the carmaker has created an electronic driver- car interface that is genuinely intuitive.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Rather than the "too many" philosophy of Mercedes' COMAND or the "too few" thinking behind iDrive, MMI uses a "just right" approach to mixing dials, buttons and LCD menus. The key here is that several large, clearly labeled buttons allow instantaneous access to primary functions (audio, climate, nav and so on). From there it's a relatively short trip through the menus to access whatever specific adjustment you seek.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

In November, BMW will debut a new and improved iDrive cockpit controller with the X5 SUV. Focus-group sources report that BMW has sought feedback on a system not unlike Audi's best-of-breed MMI controller. The result: The new iDrive will have eight keys on the center console stack to assist its four-way controller. You'll be able to program destinations, numbers, or audio settings into each button, bypassing the iDrive's previous slide, turn, and press methodology. Yet another version may be in the works with the 2008 replacement of the BMW 7 Series.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The A8's Multi Media Interface, or MMI, system has all the functionality of iDrive while providing a much more user-friendly setup...

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

And countless other articles.

ASF is too costy. Especially for a SUV / SAV. Look at raw aluminium prices.
Expect ASF or composite alu-CF frames in top-end models only.

Have you asked yourself how much many eg. Audi makes with A8? Profit margins are much lower than the ones on 7er or S-class, despite Audi selling A8 at similar prices.

Mind that BMW try to combine best technical solutions & highest possible profit margin. They could easily make a ASF 3er or CF Z4, but then

a) prices for such vehicles would be much higher - making BMW cars too expensive: resulting in a heavy sales drop = much lower revenues & profit,
b) BMW would sell them with minimal profit margin or even loss.

I think Quandts & other major BMW investors wouldn't be much happy with such results.

Is the Q7 ASF?

The technology behind Audi Space Frame is very complicated and advanced. Audi is at least three years ahead of any other manufacturer (like Jaguar for example or Ferrari) that uses aluminium for making cars.
BMW would need many years to master the technology behind aluminium welding.

Audi A8 and TT use ASF, Q7 doesn't.

Yannis, FYI BMW makes ASF for RR Phantom. In Dingolfing plant. So ...

Stop BSing!