BMW to offer ConnectedDrive here

BMW Ireland will be offering its ConnectedDrive mobile connectivity system on a range of its cars from 1 July, writes Brian Byrne.

The system will be available at three levels, each offering a number of services. Pricing starts at €1,380, and there are short term options for some of the elements, from periods as short as a month.

The technology involves an embedded SIM and must be ordered at the time of ordering the car, as it cannot be retrofitted. It is operated through the i-Drive.

The base BMW Business package includes a Navigation system, Emergency Call service and BMW TeleServices, and it will come as standard on the 5 Series range and upwards.

The top level BMW Professional Multimedia includes BMW Online Services, Real Time Traffic Information and a BMW Apps interface, among others. It will be priced from €1,932. Prices will vary according to the VRT rating of the specific car.

The Online Services will include access to the Internet, and services from Google and other sites, integrating their information with the car's navigation system.

The Intelligent Emergency Call system includes precise vehicle location and detection of accident severity and offers more extensive functionality than will be required by EU law from 2015.