BMW is allowing owners to do more via the My BMW app, though some of the new features are exclusive to the new iX electric crossover.
The company says the features initially exclusive to the iX will filter down to other models in the future.
All My BMW users can synchronise their calendar, allowing for planned journey locations to be transferred directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.
BMW models with specific optional extras will now permit users to view their tyre inflation pressures via the app, as well as the recommended pressures for each wheel.
iX crossovers fitted with an alarm and interior camera now include a Remote Theft Recorder.
If you own an iX and its alarm system is activated, you’ll be informed via a push notification.
Once the alarm is triggered, the vehicle cameras record images of the entire environment and the vehicle’s interior. You can then access this via the My BMW app.
This means if your vehicle is stolen, you’ll be able to download external footage and interior stills for the authorities.
All BMW iX models also feature BMW Digital Key Plus.
Utilising ultra-wideband technology, this allows owners to unlock, start and lock the vehicle without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket.
It’s available for the Apple iPhone and can be shared with five other users.
All My BMW users with an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid could already access their charging history via the app.
Additionally, the My BMW app allows users to lock and unlock the vehicle, sound the horn, flash the headlights, and ventilate the cabin, with some models also featuring a remote start function.
The app is available on both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.
If you don’t yet have a BMW, you can still download the My BMW app to view a new Demo Mode, which walks you through what features are available.
The additional features arguably brings BMW’s app offering – at least in the iX – up to the same tier of connectivity as Tesla.
With Tesla’s app, you can adjust your climate control remotely, as well as lock or unlock the vehicle, honk the horn and flash the lights.
You can also track your vehicle’s movement, send an address to its navigation system and, if Autopilot is equipped, even have the vehicle pull out of your garage or parking spare with the Summon feature.
BMW will introduce the iX to Australia within weeks, with the range consisting of three variants, each with a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up.
The electric crossover is priced up against the likes of the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC, with the entry-level 240kW/630Nm xDrive40 priced at $135,900 before on-road costs and featuring a 77kWh battery.
The range tops out – for now, at least – with the 385kW/765Nm xDrive50 Sport, priced at $169,900 list and using a 112kWh battery.
BMW has confirmed an even more powerful iX M60 variant with over 440kW of power will arrive at a later date.
The company claims a 6.1-second 0-100km/h time for the xDrive40 and a 4.6-second 0-100km/h time for the xDrive50.
The iX has 425km of range in xDrive40 guise under the stricter WLTP test cycle, while the xDrive50 has 630km of range.
All Australian-market iX models will come with a free, five-year unlimited usage subscription to the Chargefox network. Free Chargefox subscriptions are becoming more common, with the rival e-tron offering a six-year one.
For context, the Tesla Model X range opens at $193,871 before on-road costs, though it offers a third row of seating which isn’t available on any iX.
For the extra outlay, the older Tesla also features more power (499km) and performance (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds), albeit less range than the iX xDrive50 in its base guise (560km)
MORE: Everything BMW iX
