BMW Announces Autumn Updates For Multiple Models

A few weeks ago, BMW announced updates and pricing for its 2024 lineup in the USA, and now the company has shared another list of autumn 2023 updates that apply to various models.

These updates were issued by the BMW headquarters in Germany initially, but as is often the case, many of the changes here can be expected to reach models sold in North America. In this era of remote updates and the continued digitalization of our cars, most of the changes are software-related. Still, there are also some styling changes for the 5 Series, i5, and 7 Series sedans.

Let's look at what's on offer in more detail, and bear in mind that we won't detail any upgrades already published by BMW North America.

Initially announced in the first quarter of this year, the QuickSelect functionality for the latest BMW iDrive infotainment system has gradually been rolling out to various models. It was already announced for the X1 M35i arriving next month, and BMW now says that all X1s will have the feature from November 2023.

This rapid-access technology features a new menu structure that makes it easier to access commonly used functions without getting lost in a submenu. The X1 also gets BMW Operating System 9 from November, after initially being launched with iDrive 8 in the USA. Operating System 9 is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack for the first time. Benefits include the availability of more digital content and shorter function update cycles.

Most models with iDrive 8.5 will be able to receive the latest in-car gaming and video streaming services from autumn 2023.

Debuting in Germany alongside Operating System 9, Digital Premium consists of a customized selection of gaming, music, and video streaming services. It also arrives in November 2023 on the X1, along with models not sold here, like the iX1 and 2 Series Active Tourer.

This option is available via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. In Germany, both monthly and annual subscriptions will be available for this service, with the latter being €99 (around $120). The AirConsole gaming platform announced previously forms part of Digital Premium, with ten initial titles, including racing and skill games. BMW Digital Premium in the USA includes the Video App with access to portals like TED, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg Television.

BMW Digital Premium includes new My Modes to customize the driving experience. They are Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art. In certain regions, customers can pay parking fees directly from the vehicle in compatible parking zones, while the cloud-based navigation system includes 3D visualization of buildings.

The My BMW App for smartphones will soon introduce new functions. This includes the ability to enter mid-journey stops into the navigation system from autumn 2023.

From March 2024, compatible Android phones can use the app for remote control parking and maneuver assistant functions. Finally, the app can also show the alarm system status on suitably equipped vehicles.

The brand-new i5 sedan, the electric sibling of the 5 Series, will be available with Fire Red metallic paint for the M60 xDrive variant as of November 2023. Hopefully, this gets added to the local color palette for the electric sedan, which currently makes do with mostly black and grey shades. This color will be available from November 2023 in Germany, as well as for all other versions of the sedan when equipped with the M Sport Package.

For the larger 7 Series, a new light-alloy wheel design will be added from the same date as an option, as will 21-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design. These have a bi-color finish and will be available for every version of the luxury sedan.

Finally, BMW said the highway assistant for the 7 Series will be on the way in 2024, but this is already available for customers in the USA.