BMW is introducing a range of new subscription charges as part of its updated ConnectDrive system that allows owners to pay for services only when they need them. The move will see owners having the option to activate their heated seats or high beam lighting assist at times when they need them the most. 

The introduction of the new ConnectedDrive store marks the first time that owners will be asked to pay fees to ‘unlock’ certain features that their cars have been built with. For example, drivers who want use the heated seats will be asked to pay £15 per month or £150 for a year. Although the seats will already be fitted at the factory with all the required heating hardware, drivers will need to pay to use it. 

BMW suggests that the subscription service allows drivers to use what are expensive options in a more cost effective way and points out that items like seat heating have been installed at the factory at ‘no extra cost’ at the time of purchase. However, while the cost may not be listed individually at the time of order, the cost of adding the equipment in the first place will be factored in to the purchase price of the car. This, in effect means that drivers will be asked to pay to use features that they have already paid for. 

New BMW owners will be able to subscribe to heated seats for a month, year, three years or for the time they own the car

The subscription system works via a customer’s ConnectDrive account with services ‘unlocked’ via an over-the-air (OTA) software update which is sent to the car from BMW.

Among the other features now available on subscription are BMW’s High Beam Assistant automatically which switches high beam on and off when there is oncoming traffic or a vehicle in front. In the ConnectedDrive store, activating this will cost drivers £10 per month, £100 per year, £150 for three years and £200 for unlimited access. Steering wheel heating follows the same pricing structure, which means that drivers wanting to keep their hands and backsides toasty this winter will be looking at a monthly bill of £25 if they opt to pay monthly.  

Drivers hoping to use wireless Apple CarPlay – a feature supplied as standard by a number of manufacturers and standard on all MINI electric models – will need to find an additional £265 to access the service. For drivers preferring to use BMW’s own navigation system, the brand will sell you an annual Map Update Package for a £79 per year subscription. 

BMW's ConnectedDrive shop details the services that can be added on subscription