BMW and Mini drivers in the UK get BBC Sounds in-car streaming

BMW and Mini have shifted into the fast lane of infotainment convenience. Over 50,000 UK drivers of these luxury car brands can now stream BBC Sounds directly from their vehicle's dashboard – no phone required. Basically, you can ditch the juggling act of balancing your morning coffee, car keys, and your smartphone while trying to find the latest true-crime cliffhanger.

BMW and Mini have become the first carmakers to integrate the BBC Sounds app into their built-in app stores. This tech upgrade is available to drivers with the latest BMW Operating System 9 or Mini Operating System 9. Of course, you’ll also need a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or Mini Connected Package, which includes unlimited data connectivity.

Gallery: BMW and Mini are first to integrate new BBC Sounds in-car app

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Source: BMW

Gone are the days when listening to your favourite Desert Island Discs episode meant fumbling with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Now, all it takes is a few taps on your car's snazzy touchscreen. Once installed, the app syncs seamlessly with your BBC account, ensuring your playback history follows you from your phone to your car and back. Start a murder mystery on your commute, and you can pick up right where you left off later – hopefully not in traffic.

The BBC Sounds app is fully integrated into the vehicles’ user interface, appearing under "All Apps" for BMW drivers and "Media Selection" for Mini users. It’s basically like having your favourite radio DJ or podcast host as a co-pilot, minus the snacks. And yes, streaming data is included in the subscription package, so binge-listen away without fretting over data charges.

Modern in-car streaming options:

BMW 7 Series passengers can stream football on rear 31.1-inch screen because why not?

Porsche Taycan might stream movies without distracting driver

Currently, this feature is available in over 50,000 vehicles across the UK, but the numbers are set to raise dramatically. BMW and Mini predict that by the end of 2025, some 150,000 cars will be equipped with this tech. That’s a lot of ears tuning in to Bad People while cruising down the M1.

“We’re proud to make it easier than ever for BMW and Mini customers to enjoy their favourite BBC content on the move. This latest integration complements the wide range of apps already available in our vehicles and underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless in-car entertainment experience,” Andrew Furse, BMW Product Operations Manager, commented.

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