Want BMW Online service? That will be RM159 per year. How about Concierge services? That's RM399 per year. If you want wireless Apple CarPlay access, well, you will soon be charged as the official local BMW ConnectedDrive portal shows.
Applicable to 2019 model year cars that have navigation installed, the fee is RM513 for a year, RM799 for 3 years and RM1,899 for unlimited access. To promote the service, BMW will be offering a one-month trial at RM5.
The BMW-CarPlay issue comes on the heels of media reports that BMW is going to charge its US customers US$80 (RM330) per annum or US$300 (RM1,236) for 20 years for the privilege of using CarPlay service in its latest models. To soften the blow, they get free usage in the first year.
It would appear the fee applies to both wireless and cabled connections as the reports made no distinction in the type. Also the push to make customers pay for CarPlay service is global.
The plan to charge has naturally upset many BMW car owners, with some accusing the German luxury car maker of price gouging.
This makes BMW the only car maker that is turning CarPlay into a subscription-based service. Other car makers offer it free or as part of an options package with no further costs attached.
Asked to explain the rationale for the new subscription model, BMW said it “allows us to keep the initial cost price of the vehicle down since not everyone will use CarPlay, but at the same time for those that do, they have a flexible offer structure after the initial year’s subscription has expired.”
The CarPlay alternative, Android Auto, doesn't work on BMW cars at present.
At the end of the day, it's a car buyer's choice. In Malaysia, you can still use CarPlay with a cable without giving BMW a dime unless you think the convenience of a wireless connection is worth paying for.
