Digitally, things are moving quickly at BMW these days. The automaker released an all-new version of its iDrive infotainment system (iDrive 5.0) for the 2016 model year, followed in rapid succession by a new BMW Connected app for interfacing between its car and smartphones, and then an even newer iDrive 6.0 this year on the latest 5-series. Hold on to your ones and zeros, people, because BMW has tossed out yet another digital advancement: BMW Connected+.
In essence, Connected+ is a suite of digital services that builds on the original cloud-connected BMW Connected app (which itself sprung from the multi-app ConnectedDrive ecosystem started a few years ago). The idea is to integrate more of those ConnectedDrive and Connected features into a single app while adding a few nifty new features that work with BMW’s impressive iDrive 6.0 system, which we recently tested on a 2018 440i coupe. BMW Connected previously offered remote vehicle locking and unlocking, HVAC preconditioning, alerts to leave for upcoming appointments, the ability to send navigation directions from your phone to your car, and push texts to contacts from your phone that you’re on your way.
Connected+ adds to that a smarter time-to-leave function that takes the vehicle’s location into account for true door-to-door travel times. Say you have a meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m. across town, and your car is parked around the corner. Connected+ will prompt you to leave and offer walking direct...