How an Apple Watch can remotely control your BMW

After many years of speculation and rumours, Apple finally unveiled its first wearable device, officially called the Apple Watch.

Like many of the company’s other products, Apple fans predict that it will change the way that we interact with technology, much like how the iPad and iPhone did. Regardless of whether or not you think the Apple watch is a slam dunk, it has proven to be wildly popular, with millions of units pre-sold.

Like other smart watches on the market, the Apple Watch has the ability to run apps, and BMW being one of Apple’s automotive partners, has taken advantage of this functionality (and the device’s popularity) to further develop their vision of the (Internet) connected car for Apple Watch owners.

BMW ConnectedDrive

No longer is this just whimsical thinking reserved for concept cars. BMW has planted their flag in the world of mobile vehicle connectivity through their ConnectedDrive technology.

The very first vehicles to take advantage of the Apple Watch’s functionality are the electric cars from BMW’s i division.

Since electrical car owners tend to be considered early adopters, it makes sense for BMW to first offer the system to this generally more tech-savvy customer base.

The BMW i Remote phone app allows Apple Watch owners to remotely check and control functions of their BMW i3 or i8.

The Apple Watch has its very own version of the BMW i Remote app, which keeps users updated on the car’s status and much more.

While there is also a BMW i app available for the Samsung Gear S watch, the Apple Watch’s app has been developed a lot more comprehensively and thereby offers richer functionality.

Here’s how it works.

The Apple Watch acts as a clever extension to a linked iPhone with the BMW i app installed. Launching the BMW i Remote app on the Apple Watch brings up a start screen that gives the owner summarized information about the car’s charge status, available range, and time of the day.

Kudos to BMW for ensuring that the app’s graphics are consistent with the look and feel of the in-car iDrive infortainment system.

Scrolling further up on this start screen reveals a new menu through which users can check a whole host of other vehicle information including whether the car is locked, the windows are closed, or even if the moonroof is open. The doors can also be locked remotely. For security reasons, remote unlock functionality can only be done by calling BMW.

Lose your car in a parking lot? No problem. You can remotely flash the lights!

Vehicle maintenance alerts can also be checked at a glance, such as when the next maintenance appointment is due.

Pre-cooling or heating during a charge

One of the heaviest drains on an electric vehicle’s battery is its heating and cooling system. Most EVs allow you to program a timer to pre-heat or cool the car while it is still hooked up to the household electrical grid. BMW’s i app takes this one step further by allowing pre-conditioning on demand with just a tap.

A right swipe of the watch’s start screen reveals the Remote Services screen that  allows owners to adjust the car’s climate control system. Here, they can heat or cool the interior of their BMW I car while is being charged. This way no energy needs to be drawn from the car’s high voltage battery to pre-condition the climate control system, helping to maximize the car’s electric driving range.

Location services and Intermodal route planning

Swipe the start screen to the left and Apple Watch owners will have access to the app’s location services display. This shows where the car is located on a map, and also offers up the intermodal route planning function.

One of the numerous innovations on board the BMW i3 is intermodal route planning. In slow traffic and congestion, for example, owners can incorporate other modes of transport into the route planning process alongside the user’s own car. This may help them reach their destination more efficiently.

In a nutshell, this means that public transit can also be incorporated as part of the route guidance, extending the navigation system’s instructions from the parked car to the user’s final destination. The app can also guide the owner back to the parking space if required.

Although the intermodal functionality is still in its infancy in Canada, these functions promise to significantly enhance mobility, especially in urban areas.

Final Thoughts

With their embedded SIM cards, the BMW i3 and i8 are optimized for connectivity, while the BMW i Remote app creates a close link between the car, driver and outside world.

Many of us already view digital services as an integral part of our everyday lives, and smart watches are set to give this trend even greater momentum. They also make using electric mobility a faster and more direct experience.

Interested in BMWs? Check out our OpenRoad BMW stores here:

BMW Langley    The BMW Store

Clean Energy Vehicle incentive program returns to B.C.

BMW i3
The BMW i3 is eligible for a rebate under phase two of B.C.’s Clean Energy Vehicle point-of-sale incentrive program. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

St. Paddy’s day may have been a couple of weeks ago, but folks in B.C. have another reason to go green again with the start of phase two of B.C.’s Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) program on April 1.

About $7.5 million in electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sale incentives will be available from now until March 31, 2018, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

“With the Clean Energy Vehicle program, we’re providing incentives that will make electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more affordable for British Columbians, and expanding the charging and fuelling infrastructure to make it easier to ‘fill the tank,” says Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines.

Consumers thinking about purchasing or leasing a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are eligible to receive up to a $5,000 rebate, and up to $6,000 if the power is provided by a hydrogen fuel cell, like the new Hyundai Tucson FCEV.

Bennett says phase one of the CEV program — that expired last spring — encouraged over 900 electric cars to find new homes and also spurred the installation of more than 1,000 charging stations across B.C., resulting in the reduction of approximately 57,000 tonnes of vehicle emissions.

Some quick stats: vehicles are responsible for nearly half of the province’s household greenhouse gas emissions; a CEV reduces emissions by 5.6 tonnes per year when compared to a conventional 2000 model year or older vehicle; a CEV reduces emissions by 3 tonnes per year when compared to a new gasoline-powered vehicle, according to a news release by the provincial government.

For drivers who hadn’t considered an alternative-energy automobile previously for whatever reason, manufacturers now offer several options that would appeal to even the most die-hard fan of traditional internal combustion. Here are some examples of what’s available.

BMW i3 charging

BMW i3

Type: battery electric vehicle (with optional gasoline Range Extender)

Form factor: five-passenger hatchback

Base MSRP: $45,000

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle

Form factor: five-passenger mid-size crossover SUV

Base MSRP: $86,600

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle

Form factor: five-passenger sedan

Base MSRP: $110,000

Toyota Prius Plug-in

Toyota Prius Plug-in

Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle

Form factor: five-passenger hatchback

Base MSRP: $35,905

Read more about the CEV phase 2 program on the website.

Top 5 Luxury SUVs at the 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show

The 2015 Vancouver International Autoshow is bigger than ever before this year. Now in its 95th year, the show boasts 25 per cent more floor space and even more vehicles at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

If you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV, here are my Top 5 Luxury SUV Picks for you to visit before the show shuts down this Sunday at 6pm.

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport makes its regional debut at this year’s Vancouver autoshow. It stands out from its posh compact-ute rivals for one simple and moderately compelling reason—it can actually go off-road, at least sometimes.

Photo by Andrew Ling

Based on the same platform as the wildly popular Range Rover Evoque, the Discovery Sport can’t match the ground clearance of its LR4, Range Rover, or Range Rover Sport siblings for pure wilderness-challenging ability.

However, the Disco Sport’s 8.3 inches of ground clearance is more than respectable for the occasional jaunt to the campgrounds or the country cottage. Land Rover also claims approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 31, and 31 degrees for the Sport, plus a wading depth of 23.6 inches.

In other words, that’s better offroadability than your typical BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK competitors.

Land Rover is also setting the Discovery Sport against its German rivals with the option of “5+2″ seating, with the ability to carry up to 7 passengers. No other compact luxury SUV offers such a feature. The “+2” is essentially a child-only fold-down third row that slides beneath the cargo floor when not in use.

2016 BMW X5 M / X6 M

The BMW X5 has the distinction of being not only one of the first true luxury SUVs, but also one of the first seriously fast SUVs.

Now BMW is launching the second iteration of the X5 M, which is based on the third-generation X5, alongside its less practical X6 M Sport Activity Coupe sibling.

With a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the X5 M (and X6 M) is even quicker to trot than its predecessor with its official 0 to 100 km/hr sprint taking just over four seconds. That’s faster than many pure two seater sports cars!

Like the X6 M, the X5 M wears massive 285/35 tires up front and 325/30 rubber in the rear; 21-inch wheels are standard equipment.

As is usual in the latest BMW M models, the driver can fettle with the adjustable shocks, steering, transmission program, and throttle mapping through multiple modes using dedicated buttons for each.

Inside, the X5 M and X6 M both feature bespoke M-specific bits from the steering wheel and seats to the onscreen M Drive menu.

The exteriors of both vehicles also wear unique M front and rear styling cues, setting them apart from their more pedestrian non-M models.

2015 Lexus NX200t / NX300h

And now for something smaller (and more affordable).

With the new Lexus NX, Lexus is looking for a younger demographic than its RX mid-sized SUV.

The mid-sized RX is too big and pricey to attack the growing number of compact luxo utes and this is where the NX fits in.

Instead of the rounded and conservative silhouette associated with the RX, the NX breaks through with its brand-identifying Lexus “spindle” grille and aggressive body creases and folds.

There are two models available, the NX200t and the NX300h, available with front or four-wheel drive.

The 200t marks Lexus’s first turbocharged gas engine, in this case a 235-hp 2.0-liter four. It also will be available in mildly sportier F Sport guise.

The 300h is a hybrid with a gasoline 2.5-liter four cylinder engine and an electric motor combining to deliver 194 horsepower. You can even test drive the Lexus NX300h yourself in the Green Drive program running outside the Vancouver Convention Centre till this Sunday.

2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited

The Infiniti QX80 was substantially updated for the 2014 model year and remains as one of the few full-sized SUVs on the market with the ability to tow up to 8,500 lbs while still being able to transport 7 or 8 passengers in luxury.

Recently introduced is the QX80 in a new “Limited” trim level, offering subtle exterior upgrades and a sophisticated interior evocative of an executive boardroom.

Available in limited numbers only starting from May 2015 and exclusively as a 7-passenger model, the QX80 Limited’s exterior features dark finished, 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dark chromed exterior trim, and unique stainless steel running board caps with rubber grips.

This vehicle certainly takes the word “premium” to another level.

Photo courtesy of Infiniti Canada

The luxurious interior includes semi-aniline Truffle Brown leather appointments with an exclusive quilted pattern, open pore matte finish ash wood trim, an Ultrasuede headliner and pillars, leather-appointed grab handles and speaker grilles, unique floor and trunk mats, and unique silver switchgear trim on the centre stack.

2016 Audi Q7

Among three-row vehicles, few can match the Q7 in terms of style. It is as chic as it is spacious.

The 2016 Audi Q7 debuts as an all-new vehicle with Audi’s next generation styling and impressive weight savings to the tune of 717 pounds. This should pay dividends when it comes to fuel economy and performance.

Even though the 2016 Q7 is virtually the same height as the old one, clever visual tricks like the matte-aluminum trim surface between the front and rear wheels, the gently tapering roofline, and the powerful fender flares make it look lower, wider, and longer. In fact, the new Q7 looks more wagon-like than ever.

The low-rider vibe isn’t merely visual though. Audi’s relocation of the engine lower in the chassis has yanked the Q7’s center of gravity down by a claimed 2 inches, helping to improve its driving dynamics.

Audi has been well known for its impressive use of the latest lighting technology and the 2016 Q7 continues on with that trend. The headlights’ LED daytime running lamps now form pairs of arrow-shaped elements, as do the LED tail lights out back.

As you would expect with most luxury SUVs, there is a load of the latest active safety technology to compliment the latest in driving dynamic enhancements.

Carried over from Audi’s sports cars are systems such as a brake-based torque-vectoring system and an electronically controlled center differential. The latter can vary the all-wheel-drive system’s torque split from the standard 40/60-percent front-to-rear to 70/30 or 15/85 as conditions dictate.

Optional rear-wheel steering promises to enhance stability at higher speeds by slightly turning the rear wheels in concert with the fronts. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the fronts to greatly improve parking lot agility on such a large vehicle.

Vehicle smart key: how does it work?

Looking for cars with push button start? Shop online here at OpenRoad Auto Group for all of our push button start cars.

If you’re thinking that this is an article about keys that can surf the Internet or make phone calls, you’re not quite right. But that doesn’t make these little devices that enable you to unlock your doors and start your vehicle without the use of a physical key any less innovative.

Also referred to as proximity keys or simply key fobs/remotes — each brand has a different name for their specific systems — smart keys have been around since the 1990s, although they were a feature found primarily on high-end luxury automobiles at the time.

How does it work?

BMW Comfort Access System

The smart key uses radio waves to “talk” to the matching vehicle containing embedded antennas that identify and confirm its presence. On some models, like newer BMWs (Comfort Access), when the key comes within 1.5 metres of the driver’s car, the door automatically locks or unlocks with a touch of the door handle. In the case of the above image, the tailgate lifts by waving a foot underneath the rear bumper.

Once inside, simply pressing the ignition button, usually located next to the steering column, starts the vehicle. Some smart keys, like those from BMW, can also store individual user settings so the seat, mirrors, steering wheel and even audio preferences are automatically adjusted by pressing a single button.

Honda engine start button

Security

Rather than a smart key sending out the same frequency signal over and over, which would affect all the makes and models utilizing the same key, not to mention make it easier for tech-savvy thieves to steal cars, smart keys broadcast a different encrypted signal every time you unlock a door or remotely pop the trunk.

A computer chip located inside the car is responsible for receiving the signal and prompting a new frequency to be generated. Of course, nothing is foolproof, and manufacturers are constantly working at making their technology more secure.

Pros

opening car door

The most obvious plus of a smart key system is convenience. You don’t have to be holding the key in your hand to enjoy the features, and many people love the fact that they can keep it in their pocket or bag without having to reach in and dig around before getting into vehicle.

Cons

By the same token, there have been instances (writing from personal experience) where a driver hands a car over to another user and walks away, forgetting that the smart key is still on his or her person.

BMW emergency key

On models that don’t have an automatic proximity unlock function, if the battery in the fob dies, opening a locked door can be tricky. Luckily, almost all fobs should have a small metal key hidden inside that can be used to unlock the driver’s door via a keyhole often concealed underneath a removable plastic cap near the door handle.

To get a better visual of a smart key in action, here is a video illustrating the Intelligent Key system on the Infiniti Q50. 


The Best All-Wheel-Drive coupes to survive Canadian winters

Now that winter is officially upon us, you may think that your days of piloting a sporty two door coupe are over. Typically, coupes are banished into a garage or parkade till the clear spring time weather arrives, nary a threat of snow or ice.

These days, increasing number of luxury auto manufacturers are offering their formerly rear-wheel-drive only coupes with all-wheel-drive variants.

No longer does owning a sports coupe have to be an oxymoron to the word “winter”. Just swap out the all-season or summer tires for a set of good snow tires, and you are set to go!

Here are a few examples of all-wheel-drive two door luxury coupes with different price points to suit your budget.

Infiniti Q60 coupe

The 2015 Infiniti Q60 AWD coupe

The 2015 Infiniti Q60 AWD coupe. Photo courtesy of Infiniti Canada.
 

The Q60 is a well-appointed coupe that combines the Infiniti brand’s blend of value, performance, and luxury. It’s powered by a 330-hp 3.7-litre V6 engine and available with a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed downshift rev matching manual transmission.

Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system can adapt to the changing conditions by constantly monitoring wheelspin, throttle position and vehicle speed. In dry conditions, the system is able to send 100 per cent of the power to the rear wheels for more responsive road performance. However it can automatically divert up to 50 per cent of the available power to the front wheels to enhance traction and control in adverse conditions.

Price for the Q60 AWD coupe starts at $51,800

Shop the New Infiniti Q60 at OpenRoad

Audi A5/S5/RS5

The 2015 Audi A5 Quattro. Photo courtesy of Audi Canada.
 

Audi was the company who pioneered all-wheel-drive in a road going car for performance reasons. For many years, they were the only choice on the market if you wanted a coupe with the year round safety and security of all-wheel-drive.

Unlike some of the vehicles in this article, the Audi A5 coupe (and its higher performance S5 and RS5 variants) is solely available with Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system; two-wheel-drive versions are not available in Canada.
With standard Quattro all-wheel drive, the A5 coupe is a comfortable and stylish car that will perform well on pavement or in rain and snow.

Shop the New Audi A5 at OpenRoad

BMW 228i xDrive Coupe and M235i xDrive Coupe

The 2015 BMW M235i xDrive Coupe and the 1968 BMW 2002. Photo courtesy of BMW Canada.

In the late 1960’s, the BMW 2002, spiritual forerunner to the BMW 2 Series Coupe, set new standards in dynamics and design and established the BMW tradition of sporty coupes.

Today, the BMW 2 Series Coupe combines exciting dynamics and a design with reminiscences of the legendary 2002 coupe in BMW history. However unlike the rear-wheel-drive only 2002, the 2 Series is now available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the 2015 model year.

Available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2-series is a sporty coupe with tons of charm and fun.

Price for the 228i xDrive coupe starts at $39,750, and $48,750 for the M235i xDrive coupe.

Shop New BMW 2 Series at OpenRoad

Lexus RC350 AWD

The 2015 Lexus RC350 AWD. Photo courtesy of Lexus Canada.
 

The all-new Lexus coupe aims to bring back a blend of styling and performance that has been unseen in many of Lexus’ product offerings until recently.

The RC350 is equipped with a 306-hp 3.5-litre V6. When equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system, it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Price for this all-new Lexus coupe starts at $54,000.

Shop New Lexus RC at OpenRoad

Jaguar F-Type with AWD

The 2016 Jaguar F-Type R AWD. Photo courtesy of Jaguar Canada.
 

For model year 2016, the beautifully-styled Jaguar F-Type coupe receives substantial upgrades, including the addition of the company’s Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive system.

This system is engineered to maintain the rear-drive character that is important to Jaguar sports car DNA while offering even greater dynamic capability.

Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, Jaguar Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive has been programmed to send 100 per cent of the engine’s output to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. However in slippery conditions, the system can transfer up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the front axle to mitigate the loss of traction.

Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive will be optional on all F-type S models (with a 380-hp supercharged V6), and standard on all V8 R Coupes (now upgraded from 495-hp to 550hp).

Prices have not yet been announced but are expected to start at above $85,000 for the F-type S with AWD.

Shop New Jaguar F-TYPE at OpenRoad

 

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 / Turbo

The 2015 Porsche Carrera 4. Photo courtesy of Porsche Canada.
 

Over the course of its 50 year life cycle to date, the iconic 911 has retained its unmistakable look and design while being constantly updated with the latest technology. To many, the 911 is one of the best sports cars available.

While all of the 911s still maintain their signature rear-engine configuration, a sophisticated active-all-wheel-drive system is available on Carrera and Carerra S models, and standard on all 911 Turbos.

This system distributes engine power between the permanently driven rear axle and the front axle by means of an electronically variable multi-plate clutch. Porsche Stability Management and enhanced Porsche Traction Management work together to ensure the optimum distribution of drive power for maximum traction depending on the driving and road conditions.

Price of the Carrera 4 starts at $103,900.

Shop Porsche 911 AWD at OpenRoad