BMW unveiled its new AirTouch technology at the Consumer Electronics Show. The technology features "intuitive control" of entertainment, navigation and communication functions using hand gestures.

AirTouch allows the display in a vehicle to be operated like a touchscreen but without having to make contact with the surface. Sensors record hand movements in the area between the central console and rear-view mirror, enabling drivers or passengers to change the focus on the surface of the display. Simple confirmation selects the relevant menu item or activates an icon.

At the 2015 CES, BMW launched its first-generation gesture control technology, which enabled finger movements to carry out actions such as adjusting radio volume or accepting phone calls. That technology was made available on the 2016 BMW 7 Series.

AirTouch advances the concept, using sensors installed in the area of the instrument dashboard that respond to three-dimensional hand movements.

A hand movement or gesture activates the surfaces on the panorama display. Image credit: BMW.The system uses a second option to confirm an action. A concealed button is located on the rim of the steering wheel within reach of the thumb. The button lights up when a menu or icon can be activated. One tap activates the program or changes a setting. The passenger also has a button on the side sill in the door area. This enables him or her to use one hand to sift through the menu as the other hand confirms inputs.

BMW says an intelligent menu control system reduces the number of steps needed to make a selection. For example, when activating the phone pad, contacts or call lists are brought to the top level so that a call can be made with one further action. AirTouch recognizes which selection and control steps are required and displays them in advance. This allows the driver to focus on the road. When the vehicle is traveling in highly automated mode, BMW says that additional control options are offered.