Tesla isn’t the only brand in town letting users beta-test new EV software. BMW is letting some of its owners beta-test new software, too, except BMW’s new tech will be much lower stakes than Tesla’s beta-tests for self-driving systems. According to BMWBlog, the Bavarians partnered with Munich-based IT company Testbirds. And if you create an account, fill out your profile with your vehicle information, you can sign up for beta tests. And if your vehicle is a BMW iX3, you can beta-test cockpit and infotainment software. If you have other BMW or Mini models, even older ones, you can still participate but for things like apps and connected services.
The tests allow users to download new software, use it in real time, and then fill out questionnaires about their experiences. BMW’s new OS X and Panoramic iDrive are brand-new for the iX3 and BMW will likely continue to update those systems with new features, so this will help work the kinks out before they’re used by the masses. For low-stakes features, this could be incredibly useful, especially since the new iDrive systems are so complex.
Right now, the only current beta test is for iX3 owners but it isn’t on sale just yet in America. So U.S. customers won’t be able to participate until deliveries begin in late September. It isn’t clear whether the beta test will still be underway by then, or what exactly users will be testing during it. If you miss out on this one, don’t worry. There will be more. So if you’re into testing out new software before it launches, this could be very interesting news.
BMW’s iX3 is one of the best range/power/value EV deals on the market. It’s certainly the best EV deal in BMW’s own lineup. So I imagine it being the brand’s best-selling EV rather quickly, especially since it’s in America’s favorite automotive segment: compact premium crossovers. So this Testbirds program could have a lot of American customers on board.