BMW cars to come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as standard in 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has kickstarted the year with several upgrades, including the introduction of the all-new iX xDrive50 Sport and the availability of Smartphone Integration and Connected Package Professional as a standard feature. While you can check out the full details on the new iX trim here, this story focuses on the connectivity package.

For the Smartphone Integration or Apple CarPlay Preparation (as listed on the BMW ConnectedDrive Store), customers were required to pay a one-time activation fee of RM 1,299 earlier. But starting this year, Smartphone Integration and Connected Package Professional is a part of the standard equipment kit of all 2023 BMW cars, which means the customers can enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for free. 

The car owners will be able to integrate their smartphones on both the iDrive 7 and iDrive 8 infotainment operating systems. With the latter also comes the Apple Maps compatibility that can be tuned onto the head-up display and instrument panel for a better-connected driving experience.

The Connected Package Professional, on the other hand, provides customers the privilege to control their cars remotely thanks to the My BMW App. The functions that can be performed via the app are locking the door, operating the headlight flash, activating the climate pre-conditioning system, and more.

Also part of the package is Concierge Services that allow car owners to connect with the BMW Call Centre, which offers road assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 

As for the future, BMW Malaysia confirms that the package will be upgraded with more advanced features like BMW Maps Connected Charging and Connected Navigation. The former will help the owners of BMW EVs by providing them with a summary of charging sessions, while the latter is a cloud-based navigation system with more user-friendly address inputs and a richer Point of Interest segment. 

Also read: New BMW 4S centre opens up at Bukit Tinggi, Klang