BMW is rolling out 5G in-car connectivity in the U.S.

BMW announced Thursday that it is adding 5G connectivity to certain models in the United States.

BMW's i4 and iX electric cars can now connect to T-Mobile's 5G network through an embedded SIM (eSIM). As the name suggests, this is a SIM card embedded in the device (in this case, the car) that enables cellular connectivity without a typical removable SIM card. This makes BMW's EV a mobile WiFi hotspot that can support up to 10 devices simultaneously, the automaker said.

According to The Verge, T-Mobile customers can add BMW 5G connectivity for $20 per month. This includes unlimited data in the U.S., 200 megabytes of roaming data that can be used outside of T-Mobile's network, and 5 gigabytes of 4G data per month in Canada and Mexico (and unlimited lower-speed data beyond that), the website said.

eSIM is part of an optional premium package on the iX xDrive50 and standard on the iX M60, BMW said. However, BMW has not stated the trim level or package required for i4 buyers to get 5G.

Other automakers are also preparing to add 5G connectivity. Audi and General Motors have announced plans to partner with Verizon and AT&T, respectively, to deploy 5G for the 2024 model year. The network's high speeds will enable uninterrupted streaming and massive software updates.

In addition to 5G, BMW has announced several other new technologies: iX's Digital Key Plus, which allows owners to allow up to five iPhone users access to the car, and limits on maximum speed, power, and radio volume for young drivers. This feature also allows parents to prevent their children from disabling stability control and driver aids. Meanwhile, the eDrive Zones feature for plug-in hybrid vehicles automatically switches these vehicles to power in designated areas.