The BMW Group rolls out biggest Remote Software Upgrade in company history.

Singapore. BMW is once again underlining its leading role in digitalisation with the new Remote Software Upgrade. With the biggest and most extensive upgrade in the premium manufacturer’s history so far, more than 750,000 vehicles worldwide will receive the latest version of BMW Operating System 7.0 (version 07/20). It is also the largest over the air update ever rolled out by a European manufacturer. The upgrade includes new, expanded and enhanced functions, such as Google Android Auto™ and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The new software version will be available to customers in Singapore from November 2020 and can be downloaded to vehicles directly over the air and installed free of charge. Customers will receive a push notification in their vehicle as soon as the upgrade is available.

Overview of new and expanded functions.

• Google Android Auto^TMwill be available as a new feature following the upgrade, allowing customers to use the functions of their smartphone in the car via a wireless connection. The customer can use Google Assistant or touch operation to access their apps without having to operate their smartphone directly. Google Maps^TM also shows navigation guidance in the Info Display and Head-up Display.

• With this functional enhancement, the Apple Maps navigation information provided via Apple CarPlay® now includes turn-by-turn directions and lane information, which is displayed directly in the Head-up Display and in the Info Display.

• The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has a new and more emotional appearance. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also provides more proactive assistance with possible voice commands and suggestions are displayed in the redesigned widget. The virtual character has also been expanded to include new voice commands –for example, for operating electric windows, switching drive modes (between COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO) or asking for tips on how to drive more efficiently.

• The Smart Opener function that enables users to open the boot lid without touching anything, can now be individually configured (for example, kick feature to open and/or close the tailgate) or, if preferred, completely deactivated.

Remote Software Upgrade and rollout.

Since BMW Operating System 7.0 was introduced in 2018, BMW drivers have been able to keep their vehicle up to date with the latest software by means of the Remote Software Upgrade. The new functions can be downloaded quickly and conveniently to the car over-the-air. Installation files are prepared in the vehicle in the background; once this is complete, it rarely takes more than 20 minutes for actual installation, even in the case of major upgrades.

The availability of individual services and enhancements may vary, depending on vehicle equipment options and the region. Vehicles with BMW Operating System 7.0 produced from July 2020 on already come with the latest version, including all additional functions. Customers can view the software version and check for available upgrades in the vehicle settings under Remote Software Upgrade. Remote Software Upgrade is now available for over 20 BMW models and thus for almost the entire BMW fleet.                       

Instructions and valuable tips on multimedia functions and connectivity can be found in the corresponding BMW How-To Channel.