BMW vehicles offer a comprehensive connectivity experience with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play on its latest lineup. Despite its premium asking price, BMW owners in Malaysia without Smartphone Integration would previously need to pay a hefty one-time activation fee of RM1,299 to unlock Apple CarPlay. That’s finally changing with new BMW vehicles purchased starting this year.
BMW Smartphone Integration and Connected Package now included as standard
BMW Malaysia says it continues to provide premium value for all BMW owners by offering Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with the Connected Package Professional as standard for all BMW models in 2023. The German brand says this would enable convenient access to familiar functions and applications in all BMW models from 2023 onwards.
The official statement from BMW Malaysia says, “The seamless and wireless integration of both Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, paired with smooth interplay of the BMW Operating System 7/8 will provide owners an unrivalled connectivity experience within their vehicle. The climate menu will also remain accessible to users without having to leave the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto screen. Exclusive to models with BMW iDrive 8, Apple Maps will be adapted into the Instrument Cluster and Head-Up Display.”
BMW is also offering Remote Service which will allow owners to control their cars remotely such as locking their doors, activating the headlight, horn and starting the aircon through their smartphone using the My BMW app. Users will also be able to get the Last State Call (LSC) feature which provides details about their vehicle status such as fuel level, mileage, the status of doors and windows, Check Control messages and pending services.
According to BMW Malaysia, the Smartphone Integration and Remote Services features are available on a lifetime offer and are subject to the respective vehicle’s technical hardware requirements.
In the coming years, BMW owners can also enjoy three years runtime of BMW Maps Connected Charging and Connected Navigation which allows you to stay connected with the BMW EV when you’re at home, on the road or at a public EV charging station. For BMW EV owners, the Charging Management feature in the My BMW app allows users to view current and previous charging sessions and users can also remotely control and check ongoing and upcoming charging sessions. It will also alert you of upcoming charging events.
BMW added that its cloud-based navigation system in BMW Maps will provide a more intuitive address input and a rich experience for Points of Interest. Owners will be able to plan their trips using the My BMW App and send their destination to the car with the “Send-to-Car” feature. If you need to park your car further away from your intended location, there’s also a “Last Mile” feature which will direct users how to get to their destination on foot from their parking location.
Price increase for BMW and Mini vehicles sold in Malaysia
If you’re thinking of buying a new BMW in 2023, there’s now a price hike. According to BMW Malaysia, a volume-weighted average price update of approximately 4.7% for BMW and 2.6% for Mini models will take into effect from 1st January 2023. This is due to current challenges such as global inflation and rising manufacturing costs. Despite the price hike, BMW says owners will be able to enjoy new feature enhancements in all BMW and Mini models purchased in the year ahead.
Here’s the breakdown of the price increase for all BMW and Mini series in Malaysia which includes BMW and Mini service and repair inclusive (BSRI/MSRI):
