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Page Overview: BMW Group - Innovation - Technology and Mobility - Connectivity

Connectivity

The future of smart connectivity.

Driver, car and surroundings become one.

The BMW Group recognised the importance of connecting driver and cars with their surroundings early, and is today one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers in this field of technology. Driver assistance systems and digital services to enhance safety and comfort are combined in BMW ConnectedDrive.

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Explanation of the BMW ConnectedDrive services. From BMW Online features to the BMW Connected App.


What does connectivity really mean?

Graphical depiction of the three elements BMW connects with ist connectivity.

 

In brief, the realisation of 100-percent intelligent connectivity between passengers, vehicle and surroundings.

Thanks to the innovation of BMW Group engineers, rapid advancements have been made in this area. The BMW Group offers innovative functions connecting drivers, cars and their surroundings under BMW ConnectedDrive.
Graphical depiction of the three goals of premium driving comfort.

Development focuses on three goals.

The driver is always the focus of attention at the BMW Group. Developers are working intensively on solutions that satisfy the wishes and demands of drivers that will have an impact on the cars of today and tomorrow. All functions now available are consistently focused on three objectives: improving comfort and convenience, offering new dimensions of infotainment and ensuring optimal safety for drivers and passengers.

Technology makes it possible: the world of BMW ConnectedDrive.

Graphical depiction of the parts of BMW ConnectedDrive.

From the beginning, BMW ConnectedDrive was geared towards the mobility needs of tomorrow’s users, based on two pillars: driver assistance systems with comfort and safety functions; and optimised BMW ConnectedDrive services and apps with the full range of infotainment and mobility options.

Focus topics: connectivity.

Routing on a BMW navigational map.

Updating navigation maps via mobile communications.

The new BMW navigation systems are fast, easy-to-use and reliable. As well as vehicle data and a GPS signal, this also depends on the latest maps. To ensure current material is always available, BMW ConnectedDrive takes a different approach with the next generation of the navigation system Professional: Navigation maps are automatically updated by the system – ensuring that outdated data is a thing of the past.

Screen of the MINI Connected App.

MINI Connected app.

The MINI Connected app has been substantially revised after five years. The new version has been available for download from mid-August. The concept is based on the same principles as the recent brand realignment, with a clear focus on the essential. In the same way that the brand has now become much more focused overall, MINI Connected will also concentrate in the future on functions that are directly relevant for driving.

Screen of a BMW car computer with highlighted BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store allows users to configure their own services and apps wherever and whenever they choose. This can also be done directly in the vehicle after buying the car or options can be selected and reserved, or cancelled, on the computer – with flexible terms, as required.

Areas of research.

Man uses his Smartwatch next to his parked BMW.

Convenient urban parking solutions.

The BMW Group is demonstrating the benefits of vehicle connectivity with intelligent solutions. An important cluster of topics is Connected Navigation. The new research project “Dynamic Parking Forecast” relies on movement data from vehicle fleets, this application makes it easier to find a roadside parking space and effectively reduces the volume of traffic looking for a space to park in – especially in urban areas.

Man sits in his MINI with the MINI Augmented Vision googles.

MINI Augmented Vision.

The project MINI Augmented Vision uses AR technologies to augment reality by showing additional digital information directly in the wearer’s field of vision, usually using computer-aided graphics. Real and virtual worlds will increasingly mesh together in the car. MINI is using augmented reality glasses with MINI vehicles, so that important driving information can be displayed directly in the driver’s field of vision.

A BMW parks inch-perfect in a parking spot.

All-round, inch-perfect safety.

For 360-degree collision avoidance in our BMW i3 test vehicle, a new kind of laser scanner records the area all around the car. If there is danger of a collision, the system warns the driver and can automatically execute a precise braking manoeuvre, if needed.

Learn more.

Inside a BMW driving autonomously.
Autonomous Driving.
A BMW i3 standing in front of the New York skyline.
Design.
A BMW i3 charging at a charge point in a carport.
efficiency and electro-mobility
Man parking his BMW remotely.
Models.
A BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R on a road in the desert.
Concepts.
Hand holding a smartphone with a BMW at an electric charging point in the background.
Mobility Services.