Back in September I had an opportunity to have a look at a pre production BMW 5 series codenamed the G30.
In several ways BMW has improved the core 5 series product, better visuals/dynamics/engines and a vastly improved interior with a TFT cockpit. The 5 series also takes the 7 series remote key fob allowing for remote parking. The G30 is expected to go to war in an increasingly digital battleground. The latest version of BMW’s Connected Drive while improved, left me feeling a little disappointed. BMW’s current Connected Drive with Active Cruise Control has made great strives recently but it is still not near the capability of Tesla’s Autopilot. While the BMW Active Cruise Control is good for low speed traffic particularly at the East Link Tollbridge here in Dublin, it is nowhere near Tesla’s Autopilots capability. I also miss the simple things from the Tesla such as the ability to leave the key in my pocket and walk up to the door and the car not only unlock but the door physically open allowing me to slide in without even touching the exterior of the car. BMW your comfort package need this!
The BMW Connected App is also still very basic. It has been updated in the last 4 weeks but weirdly as a completely new app and not as an update to the old version. The new version loses Google Maps for Apple Maps, which is a deal breaker for me so I will be staying with the older app version on my BMW’s.
A big deal was made of the Remote 3D capability of the G30 which allows you to remotely see around your car from the app. However, for me this feature is very limited. For me, I want to see BMW’s Advanced Car Eye dash cameras integrated fully with the mobile app and critically the cloud. Follow the link below to Behance to see the changes I would like to see in the BMW Connected App.
