Thousands of BMW and MINI owners are being treated to an upgrade this week that will make it easier to tune into shows, music and podcasts from the BBC. The exclusive free update brings the popular BBC Sounds app right to the infotainment screen meaning there’s no longer the need to use a smartphone to access this much-used platform.

Until now, the only way to listen to this service whilst driving was via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay but that’s no longer the case. As long as you have a car running BMW’s latest Operating System 9 or MINI’s Operating System 9 – and you have a data connection package enabled – you’ll be able to launch the BBC Sounds app from the car’s home screen and get instant access to endless hours of content.

Once installed it’s even possible to get a personalised experience by signing into your BBC account. This will also synchronise things across devices and offer full playback history.

So, if you’ve been listening to a true crime podcast, such as the new series of Bad People on your smartphone, you’ll be able to seamlessly continue where you left off when launching the app in your car.

After it is downloaded, the BBC Sounds app is fully integrated into the vehicle’s user interface and can be easily accessed via the All Apps (BMW) or Media Selection (MINI) menu screens. Additionally, data usage for streaming BBC Sounds content is included in the connectivity provided by the BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package subscription.

BMW says that 50,000 of its vehicles on the road in the UK support the new BBC Sounds in-car app, with this figure expected to rise to around 150,000 by the end of 2025.

Here’s the full list of cars that can tune in from today.

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) and all MINI models (2024 onwards).

Speaking about the update, 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.”