Not only premium brands with DLCs - VW and Opel are coming soon
In addition to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, VW and Opel will soon offer DLCs in their vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW's rival, is also introducing features on demand with MBUX version two. The Germans are working with Nvidia on its infotainment system, which will supply the chipsets as well as assist with software development beginning in 2024. There are already the first features in the current S-Class and the all-electric Mercedes EQS that you may activate not only permanently, but also as a subscription.
Audi is also experimenting with extras that can be reserved later, as a Q4 E-Tron electric car owner discovered the automated air conditioning. Audi already has so-called Functions on Demand in numerous models. For a charge, you can reserve lighting technology, a DAB radio tuner, adaptive cruise control, and other features. In all three scenarios, the motivation is the same. The big business for automobile manufacturers occurs after the car is sold, with service intervals, original spare parts, and the like in the aftersales area.
In addition to the three luxury manufacturers, automobile firms with lower-priced vehicles want to profit from subscriptions in the future. Ford is now coming on board, offering paid digital packages such as Ford Connected Navigation Services with the Ford Pass. The subscription, for example, allows the Mustang Mach-E e-car to receive navigation map updates and real-time traffic information. VW designs its automobiles such that new features can be added later. DLCs for all VW Group vehicles should be marketed on a significant scale at the latest with VW.OS based on Android (without Google services, but with Tomtom navigation).
Stellantis, to which Opel belongs, is also planning new products that will offer paid subscriptions in the future years. It is yet unknown how many clients will spend money. Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid is skeptical that automobile purchasers will pay for individual subscription features. Some manufacturers even provide a three-year free trial period before charging you. This is the case, for example, with BMW's basic built-in navigation system BMW Maps. A subscription is required if you wish to utilize fresh map material and real-time traffic information three years after your initial registration.
You may also connect your smartphone via Apple Carplay or Android Auto and use Google Maps and other apps in the car for free. Because there are no longer any buttons and everything has been relocated to the touchscreen to save money, you require voice control with the BMW OS8.0 to operate the air conditioning system in a traffic-safe manner. Many BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control functions require a paid membership. With the internet subscription, voice control only recognizes normally spoken statements such as "I'm cold" or "Take me home." If you do not have a subscription, you must follow rigorous voice control requirements.
Post by Bryan C.
