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BMW Charges Apple CarPlay Annual Fee

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Owning a 2019 BMW or later means you now have to pay an $80 yearly fee to connect to Apple CarPlay. BMW now requires this Apple CarPlay annual fee from all owners moving forward. If you plan to connect your iPhone to your luxury vehicle, this is something to prepare for.

Apple CarPlay Annual Fee
BMW

Why an Apple CarPlay Annual Fee?

Most automakers include this connectivity with their products, although you often need to own a higher trim level to get it. BMW feels it’s a better decision to pass the fees onto their customers – which is ludicrous.

Not only do you have a high monthly payment for your BMW, plus your monthly charges for your iPhone, but now you have to pay extra for connectivity? If you want to connect your high-tech machines, BMW feels you should pay for it. We knew things were getting tight in the automotive world, but really? BMW really has to nickel and dime customers like that? Is the $80 a year going to break the German automaker?

BMW feels that by including the first year of CarPlay, they are generous. We have to disagree. Still, they do have some payment options available. You can opt for a lump sum at the car purchase. This is 20 years of connectivity for $300 or pay the $80 each year.

We hope that you have $300 if you purchase a BMW, but that’s not the point. It’s all about the principle of it. We think it’s much smarter to raise the price of each connected BMW by $300; no one would care. Adding it as a service charge just makes the company look cheap, in our opinion.

Furthermore, BMW doesn’t offer Android Auto, but Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are on the way. We wonder if customers have to pay for them too.

What are Your Thoughts?

If you plan to purchase a BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe or another new model, we want to hear your thoughts. Get more information about BMW Connected Drive.

Filed Under: BMW

BMW X3 xDrive30e: First Look

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At the Geneva Auto Show, BMW unveiled its new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The BMW X3 xDrive30e is the first small crossover from the luxury automaker. On electrons alone, the model travels 31 miles, which is ideal for getting around town. In addition, the four-cylinder gas engine pumps out 244 horsepower.

As automakers compete to produce the best hybrid and electric vehicles, it’s nice to see BMW getting into the action. Let’s take a first look at this exceptional crossover.

BMW X3 xDrive30e
BMW

Examining the BMW X3 xDrive30e

This electrified hybrid vehicle features a bigger 12kWh battery which helps those looking to do a lot of city driving. With a range of 31 miles, you don’t have to burn any fuel while heading into the office every day.

In addition, BMW showed off several other PHEVs in its lineup. We saw the BMW X5 xDrive45e, 225xe, 330e plus the 7-Series.

In the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e, you’ll have access to a six-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 383 horsepower. This offers better range plus lower emissions. On top of that, all the models now feature a battery charge indicator. This is located on the dash and helps drivers during charging.

BMW Hybrid Lineup

Overall, we are quite impressed with the newest BMW hybrid lineup. While it isn’t yet where Mercedes or Audi is, BMW is stepping up its game to compete. They are still one of the leaders with electric technology as well. Just take a look at the i-range.

Still, many people prefer to drive a hybrid vehicle over an electric model. They view it as more practical, which is why BMW is investing resources into creating a new lineup. Don’t worry, BMW has no plans to discontinue production of their electric vehicles. In fact, they plan to introduce even more electric vehicles in the near future.

Introducing BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

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BMW just announced the introduction of their new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. This futuristic AI technology will continue to increase the driving experience of BMW cars everywhere. The personal assistant is always listening and responding to “Hey BMW.” Because of this, it can help the driver in various ways. It can control vehicle settings including entertainment and navigation, explain vehicle functions and even have conversations.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
BMW

Personalizing Your Driving Experience

With the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant on board, it will start to learn your personal preferences over time. It has the intelligence to teach itself settings like heated seat temperatures, frequent destinations and more. You can even go as far as naming your assistant to add more personality and character.

The BMW Personal Assistant will become familiar with vehicle functions and will operate them with certain commands. Just say “Hey BMW, I’m hot” and the BMW In-Car Intelligent Personal Assistant will turn down the heat! The assistant only gets better as it learns more of your favorite settings and preferences. With each command or question asked the personal assistant continues to improve.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

With the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, you never have to worry about fumbling through your owner’s manual anymore. It is able to explain and answer questions about your car and provide up to date status information. Need to know how to work the automatic high beams or if the oil level is full? Just ask your BMW professional assistance that is always on-board with you. It will also alert you to situations happening like low tire pressure or upcoming service appointments.

Navigation Made Simple

The BMW Personal Assistant is the perfect companion to have with you for your everyday commute. It makes navigation simpler than ever by accessing your online calendar and contacts. Without ever taking your hands off the wheel your personal assistant will remind you when it’s time to leave for an appointment. It also provides you with up to date information on traffic and places to park.

Early 2019 Arrival

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will start being installed as early as March 2019. The basic version will be available in 23 different languages. Furthermore, it will feature more natural voice control plus more functions such as weather, music, location searches, and more. The assistant will be offered in models featuring the BMW iDrive 7.0 and with the Live Cockpit Professional.

Does this incline you to buy a 2019 BMW 3-Series?

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