What's this then?
This would be BMW's plan for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, an event at which it will launch the updated 6 Series range, including M6 Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé, as well as introducing a self-updating satellite navigation system and added functionality for the 'i' sub-brand.
Wait, back up, what's this about self-updating satnav?
The Navigation System Professional - first fitted to the 2 Series Convertible, but likely to spread throughout the line-up - can receive updates Over The Air (OTA) via the car's built-in SIM card to keep the maps and the software that runs them up to date.
You mean like my mobile phone software is updated?
Precisely. Without the owner having to do anything and at no cost to them, either through licence fees or data charges, the new BMW navigation units will update themselves several times a year to ensure that owners always have the most up to date maps and software available.
Sweet! And what about added functionality for the 'i' cars?
Well it is more added complementary packages thanks to the extension of BMW's ChargeNow and ParkNow systems that allows owners of the i3 electric car and i8 hybrid supercar to search for charging/parking spots through their PC, smartphone or satellite navigation systems and pre-book them. If done through the car's navigation, the system can lead you directly to the pre-booked slot saving you having to drive around looking for a spot. The ParkNow system can even alert you when your parking time is due to expire, allowing you to extend it remotely from your smartphone.
Nice. Anything else?
Why yes there is. The i3 will soon join the likes of the MINI, MINI Countryman, BMW X1 and BMW ActiveE on the DriveNow scheme, the car sharing initiative run by BMW and Sixt car rental. This already has over 350,000 users in cities such as Hamburg, Vienna, London and San Francisco.
Matt Robinson - 14 Dec 2014