In February 2017, BMW will release the seventh generation of its 5 Series sedan and along with a new and fresh design, it will also bring to the market a series of technology. As well as having the most advanced automated driving features of any BMW yet, the lowest drag coefficient in its class, and being 100kg lighter than its predecessor, the 5 Series has a world first; it’s the first car that will let you use Apple CarPlay completely wirelessly. Update: BMW of North America says the feature is also available on the 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 Series and X5, X6 which included the option as of August Production. X3 and X4 included this option as of September production.
BMW has been the one automaker with the slowest uptake of CarPlay and has only recently announced the availability of the popular system. The 2017 5 Series is the first car to hit roads to use Bluetooth for CarPlay, saving you from the trouble of plugging your phone in.
BMW beat everyone else to the punch in offering a cord-free CarPlay experience, no longer requiring an Apple Lightning cable to take advantage of the advanced phone integration feature set.
CarPlay works via BMW’s iDrive infotainment system by integrating phone, navigation, entertainment, as well as vehicle control and information features onto its central 10.25-inch touchscreen.
