Voice Dictation and Internet Hotspots: 2013 BMW Models Feature Cutting-Edge Tech

Whether you’re ready for it or not, BMW is bringing in-car technology into a new era with 3-dimensional mapping, voice recognition and dictation and much more in some of its 2013 models; the latest and most aggressive attempt yet in the industry-wide race to provide the driver with full interactivity. In the age of cars equipped with Siri, BMW is going all in. But how much is too much?

Have you ever had a spot of genius behind the wheel of your M5, without someone to tell? We all have.

Have you and your new 750Li ever found yourself stranded in traffic without access to wireless internet of any kind? I know, it’s the worst.

BMW, the first automaker to equip their cars with navigation in 1994, presents several industry firsts in the new ConnectedDrive system that will solve those common problems and more. In addition to 3-D mapping and voice dictation, ConnectedDrive also offers third-party apps integration and a high-speed LTE Hotspot. A multi-touch keypad will be equipped on new models sold in 2013.

Is there such a thing as too much technology in the car?  BMW is sure testing that theory with the new ConnectedDrive system, presenting more technology to the driver’s fingertips than ever before. Does a luxury car need apps, or a 20 GB hard drive and 1.3 GHz processor? Does any car need to double as a personal transcribing secretary, or as a wireless internet hub? As the number of interactive features increases, so too does the likelihood that more time will be spent with these new gadgets than paying attention to the road.

Nevertheless, the new functions and displays will accompany ConnectedDrive systems in the 2013 BMW 5-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, 7-Series and ActiveHybrid 3 models sold in the U.S. this fall.

Visit the BMW Research Centers for quick access to reviews, pricing, photos, mpg and more. Make sure to follow autoMedia.com on Twitter and Facebook.

Official BMW Website

BMW Dealer Locator

Is the new ConnectedDrive system a step in the right or wrong direction? Let us know in the comments below.