BMW considers the information connection between car and driver as integral to the ownership experience. As newer and better connectivity technology is developed, we are seeing more seamless and customizable information that better meets the needs of individual users. BMW is presenting its latest BMW Connected technology, digital services and new connectivity features at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) that opens this week.
BMW i and iPerformance vehicles are getting special attention when it comes to connectivity, since drivers of those electrified cars need to know things that drivers of normal gasoline- and diesel-powered do not, such as locations and availability of charging stations and how to get to them. BMW Connected offers a quick overview of data such as range and available charge that can be displayed on smartphones and smart watches as well as in the car. Coming soon will be the ability to ask for trip and door and window status using Alexa (Amazon Echo), or controlling the vehicle via Remote Services. Users may verify that each door and window is closed or locked.
Drivers of electrified BMWs may also find handy another new BMW Connected feature—BMW Digital Charging Service—which lets them charge vehicles using eco-friendly power and at minimal cost. The BMW Digital Charging Service talks to electricity providers and searches for the most cost-efficient and renewable charging times. Solar energy can also be integrated into the mix. The overall objective is to make sure the car is fully charged when the owner needs to depart.
BMW Connected has been available in the U.S. for about a year and during that time, has been expanded to 29 global markets. As of this past June, more than 1,000,000 users have signed up for BMW Connected.
The newest release of BMW Connected will bring several enhancements to the personal trip planning experience. With their BMW ID, users can set up their own portable, digital customer profile, where all of their preferred settings and services are stored on the Open Mobility Cloud, from which they can be transferred to other BMW vehicles. If a BMW owner were to change cars, all their profile information, personal services, and pre-set functions can be used in the owner's new or other BMW vehicles. The data stays with the driver, not the car.
BMW Connected has the ability to learn. For example, visiting a gas station numerous times will cause that station to be automatically prioritized when the driver searches for fuel stations.
Via the BMW Connected App, customers can schedule service appointments prompted by the vehicles telematics, and BMW Connected will then send reminders to the owner. Clients will also be able to access their BMW Financial Services account through BMW Connected to get contract or payment details
The BMW ConnectedDrive Store—www.bmw-connecteddrive.com—has also been revamped to better serve a driver focus. Owners may access their digital services anywhere and anytime online, and also arrange for new services. Online Entertainment, Real Time Traffic Information, and remote services are only a click away.
Past studies have indicated that most new BMW openers do not take advantage of all the features available on their new BMWs. Through BMW Connected, drivers can get more useful information accessed through more intuitive methods. BMW is working not just to increase the usage of its newer connectivity technology, but also to make it indispensible to the modern BMW driver.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
