BMW Introduces New Subscription Tech

BMW has sparked debate after offering an online subscription to turn on heated front seats in its cars for $10 per month.

A monthly heated steering wheel subscription costs $8.

Subscriptions have been available for features on BMW cars for some time but the heated seat offer started this month. The company says customers can enable all hardware features for a one-time payment if they prefer.

The features are available via BMW’s ConnectedDrive online store and are activated remotely, with no need to visit a dealer.

The manufacturer told the BBC that “where heated seats, or any feature available in the ConnectedDrive store have been purchased when a customer vehicle is ordered, no subsequent subscription or payment is necessary”.

But the company argues that the ability to add new features can be helpful for owners who change their minds after purchase.

And it is particularly useful, BMW wrote, for second-hand car owners, “as they now have the opportunity to add features the original owner did not choose”.