BMW explains why it's given all of its new EVs an incredibly unusual steering wheel as it's a deliberate design choice

The new BMW steering wheel design looks unusual at first glance, but it all comes down to making room for something called Panoramic Vision.

It is not just a quirky styling move or an attempt to stand out.

Instead, it is part of a much bigger rethink of how drivers interact with information inside the car.

And once you understand the reason behind it, BMW’s design starts to make a lot more sense.

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No, it’s not a four-spoke wheel

The steering wheel in question appears in BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles, including the BMW iX3 and the BMW i3.

Unlike the brand’s traditional three-spoke layout, this new design uses two vertical spokes positioned at the top and bottom.

It immediately stands out, especially to long-time BMW fans who are used to a more conventional setup.

So why the change?

According to BMW Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk, the answer lies in visibility.

BMW has introduced Panoramic Vision, a wide display that stretches across the base of the windshield, replacing the traditional instrument cluster behind the wheel.

To ensure drivers can clearly see this display, the company needed to open up the sightline, which meant removing horizontal spokes that would otherwise block the view.

That design decision sparked debate online, with some people even mistaking the layout for a four-spoke wheel.

However, the control sections are not physically connected to the rim, creating a floating effect that keeps the visual space open.

The new BMW steering wheel will reach the US by summer 2026

It is not just about aesthetics either.

BMW carefully positioned the controls so drivers can easily reach them with their thumbs, even though the system relies on haptic feedback instead of physical buttons.

Of course, a steering wheel is not just something you look at, it is something you use.

Concerns about handling, especially in more dynamic driving situations, have already been raised.

To address this, van Hooydonk personally tested the setup on a skid pad, ensuring it still delivered the kind of control drivers expect from a BMW.

The new wheel will come standard on the European version of the iX3, with optional finishes available for those who want a more customized look.

The SUV is expected to reach the US around summer 2026, with the i3 sedan following in 2027.

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