Category Archives: Press Release

BMW The First to Introduce Apple CarPlay Subscription Service

We all know the danger that can come with looking at our phones while driving. As such, Apple came up with its Car Play software meant to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

iPhone users will find that the CarPlay interface looks and works just like their device. In fact, you can press the voice-control button on your steering wheel and speak directly to Siri, the phone’s digital assistant. She can then find directions, cue the music you want to hear or send texts for you, no hands required.

On top of that, Apple Car Play keeps in mind the fact that you probably don’t just use iMessage and Apple Music. Other apps are compatible with the software, including Spotify, Pandora, Waze, WhatsApp, NPR one and more.

It makes sense, then, why drivers would want this built-in software when buying a new car — it makes the car safer and easier to drive in our increasingly digital world.

So, many car manufacturers have begun to incorporate Apple Car Play into their vehicles. Indeed, they have to figure out how to integrate the software themselves. But Apple doesn’t charge a licensing fee for companies to use the Car Play app in their vehicles.

Image via BMW Group Press

That fact makes the latest BMW news a bit of a head-scratcher. All BMWs with the updated 7.0 operating system will come with Car Play and a free year’s worth of the service. After that, though, it will cost £85 for the next year, £255 for three years or a whopping £295 for lifetime access to CarPlay.

Indeed, such a plan will be a great moneymaker for the car brand. The subscription sticks with the owner, not with the car itself. So, if someone hands off their BMW, the new driver will have to pay for a CarPlay subscription, should they want to use it.

M3 30th Anniversary Dash

And, although this currently applies to only 65 percent of BMWs vehicles, the brand plans to use the same payment structure in more and more of their cars.

They explain the cost of the software by saying that it allows them to keep down the overall price of the car. On top of that, it gives drivers the opportunity to forego paying for an add-on that they don’t need — not everyone will have a device compatible with Apple software.

Still, the fact remains that many other brands, from Chevy to Porsche to Ford to Ferrari, offer Apple CarPlay within their interfaces. And, in most cases, you’ll find that the software comes standard with the vehicle — no need to pay for a subscription service.

As previously mentioned, Apple doesn’t charge for licensing. So, with a BMW, you seem to be paying for the additional configuration they make to put Car Play into their operating system.

In the end, it’s up to you, the driver — would you pay for CarPlay in your brand new BMW? Or would you forego the additional price of the software? Your answer could be what keeps the program going or changes BMW’s offerings in the future.

New CBU Z4 Roadster Launched in India

Heads up, BMW enthusiasts — a new Bimmer roadster has entered the fray. BMW has introduced a new Z4 roadster as a CBU option for fans of the brand. What does this new roadster have to offer, and will it be available for international drivers?

A CBU Roadsters

Pictured: Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President BMW Group India

All cars in India have one of two designations — CBU or CKD. CBU stands for Completely Built Units. In this case, it means that the vehicles are shipped to India fully assembled, and the government charges an additional 120 percent on top of the price of the car.

CKD, on the other hand, stands for Completely Knocked Down. These vehicles arrive in the country in pieces and need to be assembled on site. It costs importers an additional 60 percent to bring these components in, but having in-country assembly plants helps to promote the “Make in India” movement, encouraging more manufacturers to set up a local shop instead of just shipping their wears in from other countries.

The new Z4 Roadster is delivered as a CBU, meaning that it will cost quite a bit more for Indian BMW fans even though BMW does have a local plant in Chennai, India which celebrated it’s 12th anniversary this year.

Specs and Color Options

Don’t expect to get a hard-top with this new roadster. The new CBU Z4 only comes with a convertible top and embodies the Bimmer roadster in it’s most real form.

It sports the iconic roadster silhouette, with a long hood, a kidney grill, and vertically aligned headlights. It has extra air intakes in the front end and a smooth rear lateral design that perfectly compliments the wing attached to the rear-end.

The interior is entirely focused on simplicity and functionality. The cockpit is oriented around the driver, and he or she can adjust everything to their preferences and save those settings in the car’s onboard computer. You’ll never have to worry about readjusting the seat or the mirrors manually more than once with this fantastic little car.

You’ve got plenty of options if a cherry red roadster doesn’t appeal to you. In addition to red, the vehicle is available in Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, and Glacial Silver. The M40i version also comes in Frozen Grey II or Missano Blue.

The interior comes in standard black, but you can opt for white, or black with magma red or congac decor stitching.

The Future of BMW India

We’ve got no news yet on whether this new CBU roadster will be available for anyone interested outside of India, but chances are you can probably find someone willing to sell — if you’re willing to pay for international freight shipping to bring it home.

This roadster may become a CDK option in the future, but for the moment anyone interested in adding one of these Z4’s to their collection will be paying extra for the privilege. As of April 9th, these new roadsters are available at BMW dealers across India with the base model costing Rs 64.90 lakh (6.49 million Indian Rupees or roughly USD 93,839) and the M40i coming in at Rs 78.90 lakh (7.89 million Indian Rupees or USD 114,082).

We’ll keep a close eye on these new Z4’s and let you know if they become available internationally.

Interactive BMW Vision iNext Concept to Grace CES in 2019

The Consumer Electronic’s Show, or CES, happens in Las Vegas every year, and it’s the place to be for anyone interested in the new year’s electronics, cars and everything in between.

This coming year, BMW is planning to premiere a new concept that everyone is excited about. Let’s take a closer look at the new Vision iNext Concept that will grace the stage at 2019’s CES.

Introducing the Vision iNext Concept

Image via BMW Group Press

BMW has always been a brand that is synonymous with innovation and technological advances. They’re taking this label to the next level in the coming year with their iNext concept. The idea is to turn this BMW SUV into a ‘living space on wheels’ — creating a vehicle that gives you all the comforts of home so that you enjoy getting behind the wheel.

This concept will have a fully electric drivetrain and advanced autonomous driving programming. The driver has two options for their seat and the surrounding area. Boost mode gives the driver full control, with the steering wheel and other controls in easy reach.

When the autonomous driving program is engaged, the driver can switch to Ease mode, which retracts the steering wheel slightly, giving them more room to get comfortable. It’s easy to switch seamlessly between the two modes, depending on the needs of the driver.

Bells and Whistles

Image via BMW Group Press

The Vision iNext will have all the bells and whistles, but you might not see them at first glance. All the smart technology will be integrated into the car, only appearing when needed by the driver or passengers.

This setup creates a much cleaner interior, and you’ll never have to worry about accidentally smacking a smart screen or catching your sleeve on something when you’re shifting position.

The driver will also have access to two digital screens that convey everything from speed and RPMs to the proximity of other cars. This interactive glass technology will help to keep the driver aware of everything going on outside of their vehicle.

This technology has started appearing in modern cars in the form of a Heads Up Display, or HUD, which moves information like speed and fuel levels from the dash, where it’s below eye level, to the windshield — without obscuring the driver’s view of the road.

Take It for a Test Drive

While you won’t be able to get behind the wheel of the Vision iNext at 2019’s CES, that doesn’t mean you can’t take it for a test drive. Putting on a set of VR glasses, you’ll be able to test out the vehicle’s capabilities.

Starting with driving the car, then utilizing BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, you can put the car in Ease mode and let the AI plan your trip for you.

The Vision iNext won’t be the only fantastic piece of automotive technology on the floor at CES 2019, but it’s one that we’re excited to see. This concept likely won’t premiere at BMW dealerships until 2020 at the earliest, but the first look has us ready to line up for a chance to get behind the wheel.