The BMW Group is systematically expanding the intelligent connectivity capabilities of its vehicles by seamlessly integrating the highly versatile Alexa, Amazon’s voice-controlled personal assistant, into all BMW and

MINI models from mid-2018. The innovative inclusion of a cloud-based voice service will enable BMW Group customers to access a variety of services, entertainment features and shopping facilities while on the move by simple voice interaction. Tens of thousands of Alexa skills that can be accessed from Echodevices will now be available for in-car use, too.

BMW Connected skill for Alexa has been available since September 2016. This has allowed BMW Connected users in the USA, Germany and the UK to ask

Alexa to check vehicle information such as the state of charge or fuel level, or control their car via Remote Services from the comfort of their home. Alexa also makes it possible to consult appointments or scheduled routes and departure times with the help of the BMW Connected mobility agenda. The availability of

Alexa in the car now makes it possible to use functions enjoyed at home while out on the road as well.

Today, 8.5 million BMW Group models worldwide are already connected. The vast number of services and infotainment features that can be controlled by voice commands in BMW models have paved the way for the forthcoming connectivity

Subject Digital lifestyle at the BMW Group: Seamless in-car integration of Amazon Alexa.

A smartphone is not required to benefit from Alexa in the car, as all BMW models and selected MINI vehicles come equippedwith a built-in SIM card. The resultant provision of online accessibility anywhere,anytime allows the seamless integration of Alexa.

For example, customers can find out which movies are currently showing at thelocal cinema, listen to their favourite playlist or find out the weather at theirdestination by voice command while on the move. And if the driver realises midwaythrough a journey that they have forgotten something, they can ask Alexa toplace an online order. Alexa can also show relevant content for certain skills (visualfeedback) in the BMW Display Screen or MINI Centre Instrument.

Intelligent connectivity between the vehicle and the user’s digital touchpoints istherefore moving into a new dimension at both BMW and MINI. Since the launchof the MINI Countryman – and the new MINI Connected alongside it – the connectivity capabilities of the British premium brand have been constantly enhanced.