BMW customers using iDrive 7 will also receive a variety of software updates.
BMW will be rolling out the Remote Software Update to customers cars with iDrive 7. Version 21-07 brings several improvements to key vehicle functions and tech, including an enhancement that improves driving experience.
BMW says HTML3 and HTML4 owners should take inspiration from the engine start sound. BMW’s 8 speed M Steptronic gearbox will also provide clearer audio confirmation for gear changes and shifting loads. BMW claims that M driving will be more enjoyable. These can be set up via iDrive, but they are not configurable directly. “Ude an enhancement of in car technology, beginning with Spotify and Pandora. BMW Connected Music now allows you to access podcast playlists from Spotify in your vehicle. BMW Connected Music now offers Pandora stations for vehicles equipped with SiriusXM 360L. This allows BMW owners to create their own ad-free music channels.
BMW’s News app gets an upgrade. It now includes personalized, intelligent filtering, much higher audio quality, as well as the introduction of news feeds. Instead of text-to-speech, the news content can be read aloud using speakers.
Finally, BMW’s Digital Key now is available on select Android-based smartphones. This feature was initially available for Apple devices. The first Android phones to be added are the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series and the Google Pixel 6 Pro. This feature was launched globally at the beginning of the month, and is currently being rolled-out to US customers via OTA updates. BMW Digital Key owners can unlock and lock their BMWs by simply holding their smartphone near the driver’s door handle. The wireless charging tray can be used to charge the device and allow them to start the engine. This option is available for nearly all new BMW models. BMW stated that the next Digital Key update will allow owners of the key to transfer it to five people.