BMW i4 benefits from unparalleled Apple CarPlay integration

September 4, 2021 Joe Kenehan

BMW presented iDrive 8, the new version of the on-board computer in its cars. This benefits from extensive Apple CarPlay integration allowing access to many applications, including Siri and Apple Maps. The BMW i4, the 100% sedan presented in spring 2021, will be the first to take advantage of it.

In March 2021, we reported in our columns the launch of the BMW i4, the German brand’s new 100% electric sedan. It is equipped with an engine offering a power of 523 horsepower and offering a WLTP autonomy of 590 kilometers. Among its main characteristics, we find a very nice acceleration, the BMW i4 going from 0 to 100 km / h in just 4 seconds with some versions.

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When it was formalized at the start of the year, BMW had not been generous with the details of the technical sheet for this new car. The brand had also ignored the interior, connectivity and the on-board computer. This week BMW posted on YouTube a ten-minute video which reveals more information on the design of the car, the on-board technologies and, above all, the on-board computer. You can find the video at the end of this article.

The BMW i4 is the first car to benefit from a strong integration with CarPlay

This on-board computer is embodied by a superb curved screen which groups together all the information essential to driving, as well as the infotainment system. The i4 is equipped with the latest version of the system BMW iDrive, numbered 8. The particularity of this system is that it is compatible with CarPlay, Apple’s system for cars. A version which will be fully integrated into the on-board electronics.

This means that you can not only access your data and common applications, but they will perform better. The best example offered by BMW is Apple Plans. Not only can you calculate a route, but you can also display navigation steps via the HUD (Head Up Display). This integration is a first for CarPlay.

The fact that this is a car from BMW which benefits for the first time from a strong CarPlay integration is not surprising. The German manufacturer regularly supports technological innovations from Apple. We want as proof, for example, the support of the virtual key, presented by the Cupertino company in 2020, on the sidelines of iOS 14. The first compatible car is the BMW Series 5.