BMW finally says yes to Android Auto, will add it to its product lineup in 2020

  • It is reported that BMW will first roll out Android Auto in its cars in 20 countries starting July of 2020, before expanding to elsewhere as well.
Photo used for representational purpose only.
Photo used for representational purpose only.

Android Auto may now appear as a common feature on cars around the world regardless of their segment and pricing but BMW had thus far steered clear of it. All of that will change in the new year with the German auto giant recently confirming most of its cars too will be compatible with it.

It is reported that the company will first roll out Android Auto in its cars in 20 countries starting July of 2020, before expanding to elsewhere as well.

One of the primary reasons why BMW had so far avoided Android Auto compatibility in its luxury cars is that it reportedly believed that most of its customers make use of iPhones. Even compatibility with Apple CarPlay invited a share of controversy because BMW was charging a subscription fees to owners who wanted to make use of this service. This policy was only reversed recently and the decision to eventually make use of Android Auto - a long-standing demand of BMW owners - would be the icing on the cake.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Bmw X4 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 96.20 Lakhs
Compare
Bmw M3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 65 Lakhs
View Details
Bmw I7 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon101.7kWh Range Icon625 km
₹ 1.95 - 2.50 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw Xm (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon4395.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 2.60 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw X5 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2998 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹93.90 Lakhs - 1.07 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Bmw Ix (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon76.6 kWh Range Icon425 km
₹ 1.16 Cr
Compare
View Offers

Another reason why BMW was holding out against Android Auto previously was reportedly due to certain - and suspected - privacy concerns although the company never acknowledged this. Android Auto has come miles and miles in this regard and it was only a matter of time before BMW would have felt compelled to give in to what is quite the standard now in the auto industry world wide.

BMW has said now that Android Auto will be rolled out on its cars which already have 7.0 version of its iDrive software. This would mostly cover the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and the X Series. Owners will be able to make use of the option without actually having to plug in their Android-based smartphones. Only Google’s Pixel, Nexus and Samsung’s Galaxy series, however, would be compatible because BMW has opted to go for wireless integration.

First Published Date: 16 Dec 2019, 18:25 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.