CES 2022: BMW Brings Theatre Experience Inside Its Cars

At the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) the BMW Group previewed a unique in-car entertainment system for future BMW models. My Mode Theatre transforms the rear of the interior into a private cinema lounge with surround sound and 5G connectivity thanks to the BMW Theatre Screen, a panorama display in 32:9 format. In this setting, every journey becomes a cinema experience for the rear passengers with a personalised programme of entertainment on a 31-inch ultra-wide display with a resolution of up to 8K.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG Development said, "We develop immersive, digital experiences for sheer driving pleasure. In Theatre Mode, the rear of the interior is transformed into a private cinema lounge. With the 31 inch display, 5G connectivity, 8K resolution, surround sound and individual streaming program, an unprecedented experience is created that sets new standards for in-car entertainment."

The BMW Theatre Screen is an ultra-wide panorama display with a screen diagonal of 31 inches

The large screen with smart TV function is extended out of the headliner on request by a sophisticated rotary movement on two articulated rails at the sides. The BMW Theatre Screen can be controlled by touch operation or using touch pads integrated in the rear doors. The BMW Group selected Amazon Fire TV to bring together the content and technology that makes seamless in-vehicle entertainment experiences possible. The Fire TV experience lets rear-seat passengers enjoy a wide variety of content from popular apps, so they can stream movies and TV episodes, listen to music, and watch downloaded programs - all while on the road. This is the first vehicle integration of Amazon Fire TV to support content in 4K, and offers the highest resolution and biggest display of any in-car Fire TV experience. There will be a country-specific offering for customers in China.

The tilt of the display can be adjusted by touch operation using the control menu on the in-car entertainment system.

The BMW Theatre Screen is an ultra-wide panorama display with a screen diagonal of 31 inches that reaches horizontally over almost the entire interior and in height from the headliner to the backrests of the front seats. With a zoom function, the contents of the entertainment programme can be played in width-to-height of 16:9, 21:9 or even in 32:9 format (content may be cropped while zoomed). The exceptionally high display resolution of about 8000x2000 pixels per screen column ensures an extremely clear and detailed visual experience when enjoying cinema films in ultra HD quality. The integrated Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System delivers an extremely high-end and multifaceted sound experience.

The tilt of the display can be adjusted by touch operation using the control menu on the in-car entertainment system. This ensures an ideal cinema experience with maximum comfort in every seat position. The corresponding touch controls are also used to select the screen format and two individual passenger volume controls are arranged both on the right and left edges of the display. Alternatively, the passengers can control the entertainment system using the control panels integrated in the door handles.