BMW has introduced a new real-time speed trap information system, that can be subscribed for a nominal fee. The subscription service then becomes part of the ConnectedDrive suite that alerts the drivers for speed camera and red light cameras. The traffic camera information service gathers information of all the fixed and mobile speed camera’s and in addition to this also uses data from radar and laser detectors to alert the driver through the vehicle’s digital instrument display.
The subscription option is free for the first three months on select 2021 Model Year BMW vehicles but at the end of the trial period, sources suggest that the subscription could cost the owner around USD 25 for 15 months. BMW Traffic Camera information service uses features from HERE Technologies and Cedar Electronics and the system is capable of receiving over-the-air-updates.
In other news, BMW recently unveiled the production-spec version the iX, all-electric SUV powered by the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology featuring two electric motors capable of producing over 500 Hp of power that can propel the iX from 0-100 kmph in under 5 seconds. The power units have been produced without using the raw materials known as rare earth metals, making the power unit cleaner and more sustainable.
The brand has revealed that the BMW iX features a high-voltage battery pack that is expected to return a range of 600 km on the WLTP cycle which equates to 482 km on the EPA’s FTP-75 test (Predicted Values). The BMW iX is capable of fast charging from a 200 kW enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% state of charge in under 40 minutes and takes less than 11 hours to charge from 0-100% from an 11 kW wall box charger.
BMW has chosen the minimalistic route for its exteriors while the interiors are offered with new and innovative options such as a blanked-out vertical kidney grille, sleek LED headlamp units, LED taillamps, flush-mounted door handles, frameless windows, hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a large sunroof, a rocker switch for gear selector and a curved display.
