iDrive for next Rolls?

Is the next Rolls-Royce just a glorified 7-Series? This new shot of the £175,000 RR4 shows that the firm’s cars are edging ever closer to those of its parent company, BMW.

Our spies got a first look inside the cabin, and while the dash is heavily disguised, the dial from BMW’s iDrive system is clearly visible. It’s already known the entry-level Roller – on sale in 2010 – will share underpinnings with the new 7-Series, but until now it’s been thought parts sharing would be kept to a minimum, to maintain an exclusive feel.