BMW's New Digital Key Will Give Keyless Access To Up To Five Users

BMW recently announced three technology updates for the BMW iX and i4.

This electric duo is responsible for persuading BMW drivers that the move over to electricity is not so bad, and so far, they've both done an excellent job. While both models may be challenging to look at from certain angles, we can't deny the solid engineering beneath the skin.

The iX and i4 are the first Bimmers available with 5G support via Personal eSIM. An eSIM is essentially an embedded SIM card within a device. That technically makes the iX the largest mobile phone on the planet. You can link this sim to your network provider, and it will provide high-speed internet access for as many as ten devices via the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot.

This should keep the kids happy on long road trips, as they can stare at TikTok for hours, but there are more practical benefits too.

BMW will also use the iX to introduce the Digital Key Plus, the latest generation of the smartphone-based BMW Digital Key. BMW's digital key lets the owner use their smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the car without having to remove the phone from their pocket.

Digital Key Plus takes it further by allowing the owner to set up a master key via the BMW app. This will allow iPhone users to grant access to five other users, with restrictions.

A parent can, for example, grant their child access to the iX but can restrict the top speed, engine power, and radio volume. Digital Key Plus will ensure that your kids don't take your fancy electric SUV hooning. You can also ensure that other users can't disable BMW's dynamic stability control or driver assistance features. This feature should be especially convenient once BMW introduces the all-new XM, the Bavarian brand's most powerful car ever.