BBC Sounds joins BMW and MINI’s vehicle app stores to allow integrated in car listening

BBC Sounds will be available as an in-car app for all BMW and MINI vehicles with a data connection running the latest firmware.

Any of those vehicles running BMW or MINI OS 9 will be able to browse and listen to content without the need to connect to a mobile phone.

Once signed in, listeners will get a personalised experience which synchronises their playback history across devices, and allows features such as rewind and pausing live radio.

Storm Fagan, chief product officer for the BBC, said: “People love to listen to the BBC when they’re in the car – it’s a huge part of how people interact with the BBC, and drivetime shows are still some of the most popular radio we make.

“But as technology in cars gets better, drivers have far more entertainment options. By launching this dedicated in-car app, we’re able to give drivers the full BBC Sounds experience – enabling them to listen to all their favourite podcasts, music mixes and, of course, live radio while they’re behind the wheel more easily than ever before.”

Andrew Furse, BMW Product Operations Manager, said, “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.”

The in-car BBC Sounds app will be available, along with all other apps, within the vehicle’s Appstore. The vehicle’s Appstore is only available to drivers with a data service, such as a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package.

Currently, the following cars can install BBC Sounds for Android Automotive:

• BMW 1 Series (2024 onwards)
• BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (2025 onwards)
• BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2024 onwards)
• BMW X1/iX1 (2023 onwards)
• BMW X2/iX2 (2024 onwards)
• BMW X3 (2024 onwards)
• All MINI models (2024 onwards)