More than just iPhone: A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

With the advancement of electronic technology, more and more electronic systems have appeared in cars. Cars, like computers, can join various networks. We have had a lot of contact with technologies such as G-BOOK and OnStar, and are no longer unfamiliar with them. BMW, as one of the luxury brands, is not willing to lag behind and is preparing to fully launch its own BMW ConnectedDrive technology in China.

Introduction to BMW ConnectedDrive Technology

Unlike many other Internet of Vehicles technologies that use the "trinity" model of on-board operating system + communication network + call center, in addition to these things, BMW's connected driving technology actually also includes many on-board electronic devices. The three elements mentioned above plus a variety of electronic equipment can be roughly divided into three categories: one is about convenience, such as automatic parking, personalized driving mode, navigation, etc.; the second is infotainment, such as access to the Internet and music playback, which are mainly realized through smartphones connected to the vehicle and the BMW iDrive system; the third aspect is safety, which is mainly the active safety electronic devices on the vehicle, such as head-up display, night vision system, lane departure, etc.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

BMW's connected driving technology can be generally divided into three categories: convenience, infotainment and safety. It includes not only traditional communication systems, but also many of the vehicle's own electronic equipment.

Having said so much, in fact, as a user, there are only two questions that you want to know directly about a product: how much does it cost? What can it do for me? Let's solve the answers to these three questions about BMW's connected driving technology one by one.

Question 1: How much extra does BMW ConnectedDrive cost?

Answer: The price of the optional package + a smartphone + daily data communication costs

Like other luxury brands, BMW provides users with a lot of optional equipment. For example, the newly replaced 1 Series, the original navigation, lane departure, head-up display and mobile music connection and playback functions are all optional features of BMW Connected Driving Technology. The corresponding "Navigation Equipment Package" (BMW Professional Navigation System, Bluetooth Hands-Free Function for Mobile Phones with USB, Extended Instrument Panel), "Technology Equipment Package" (Multi-function Steering Wheel, Cruise Control System with Braking Function, Lane Departure Warning, Extended Instrument Panel), "Imagination Entertainment Package" (High-fidelity Sound System, Mobile Music Connection Function, Bluetooth and USB Connection Function) three optional packages, the price given by a 4S is 20,900, 10,300 and 8,400 yuan respectively. In terms of hardware, the rest only requires a smartphone, and the main support is Apple iPhone.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

When the data exchange between BMW ConnectedDrive technology and the outside world is mainly through smartphones, the cost of using these functions is mainly the fees from the telecom operator. However, some functions such as navigation system and emergency call function are carried out through the built-in communication module in the car. Regarding the later fees in this regard, through communication with officials, it is currently free to use in Europe for the first few years, and there will be certain fees in the future. The charges after entering China are yet to be announced.

Question 2: What can BMW’s connected driving technology do for users?

Answer: It can do almost everything for you except driving itself.

Some netizens may think this statement is a bit exaggerated, but in fact, it is not exaggerated at all. Even if you are not interested in accessing the Internet, you can only use your mobile phone to play music or make calls. In terms of driving, there is a long list of configurations to help you - don't know the road? There is navigation; distracted while driving? The collision warning and braking system will protect you; parking troubles for novices? There is an automatic parking system and a panoramic camera; poor visibility at night without street lights? Don't worry, there is also a night vision system to supplement. Of course, the key to ensuring safe driving lies in the driver himself. With his own efforts and the assistance of these electronic systems, there is really nothing to worry about.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

The most important thing is that the combination of BMW's connected driving technology and smart phones, especially the iPhone, which has strong expansion capabilities, provides a huge expansion space for BMW ConnectedDrive users. As long as you install the BMW customized APP on your phone, you can use Weibo or do many other things in the car, just like your iPhone. Even if you change from your own BMW to another BMW, you can also copy your favorite vehicle settings, such as seat position, radio and other information, to the other car through the USB interface. It is a simple task, but it brings a lot of convenience.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

Of course, BMW also took user safety into consideration when designing the car, especially the safety of the onboard electronic system, and made some restrictions. For example, the head-up display system only displays the main driving information such as speed and navigation, but does not display any entertainment information. At the same time, application functions such as Weibo will be automatically locked at speeds above 10 kilometers per hour to ensure that the driver's attention is focused on safe driving.

BMW's new focus on connected driving technology

Although we were unable to get to know the new model that fully adopts BMW's connected drive technology this time, BMW also emphasized some of its key aspects, which can be regarded as a compensation. For example, this new navigation system has many changes in its functions.

Focus 1: New in-car navigation system

Due to usage habits, Japanese brands, especially Toyota's original navigation, had obvious advantages in terms of human-machine function and compliance with Eastern user habits. German engineers were obviously not convinced by this, so we also saw great progress in original navigation by German luxury brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. BMW was obviously not idle either, and a new generation of navigation system corresponding to connected driving technology will also be launched in the Chinese market. The new navigation system not only has a three-dimensional interface, but also displays navigation information not only on the LCD screen, but also on the head-up display system. Combined with the more convenient operation of the new iDrive system, it can locate the destination more quickly. In addition, combined with the real-time traffic data of local traffic, you can also choose the most economical (that is, the least congested) route to save you from traffic jams.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

Focus 2: Voice and handwriting control are more convenient

In order to make it easier for users to input information, BMW has introduced a touch control panel on the new iDrive system, which can be used for handwriting input. We have seen handwriting touch panels for operating the MMI system on models such as the new Audi A6L, but the touch control system of the new BMW iDrive system is different. It is integrated on the knob, which saves some space on the tight panel.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

In addition to handwriting, BMW has also adopted voice recognition technology for certain functions on its overseas models. It currently mainly supports several major Western languages ​​such as English and German. As for the problem of Chinese recognition, BMW is reportedly also making technical preparations in this regard. However, due to the large number of Chinese dialects and the relatively high technical difficulty of recognition, it will take some time for Chinese voice recognition to meet Chinese consumers.

Focus 3: Stronger communication capabilities

Since the function of the Internet of Vehicles is to be highlighted, stronger communication function is obviously also an important technical foundation of BMW's connected driving technology - this includes not only the calling function of the in-vehicle system, but also data access through smartphones, and some plug-ins, such as the LTE function, which achieves the effect of wireless routing through plug-ins, making it convenient for passengers in the car to access the network through WIFI and meet users' communication needs through multiple channels.

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

A brief analysis of BMW's connected driving technology

Summarize:

As the new 3 Series is about to enter the Chinese market, BMW will also use BMW ConnectedDrive technology in many of its models. These new technologies will have the opportunity to meet more domestic consumers. We will also bring you the latest technology experience through personal contact with the test drive car as soon as possible, so stay tuned.