The BMW Premium Package Explained

If you’re looking for a new BMW or trying to find a suitable preowned model, you’ll know how confusing the optional extras can be. Like other manufacturers, BMW bundles extras into packages, and often the package title gives you an idea of the features included. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

The Premium package from BMW is a great example of how confusing these packs have become. This is one of the most popular packages, and it’s included on almost every current BMW model. The trouble is, every model has a different Premium package, containing different features, and is priced individually.

So what exactly is included in the BMW Premium package, and is it worth the cost?

Let’s start by looking at what is included when choosing the Premium package.

BMW often includes different options within the same package, depending on your vehicle, so your chosen model may not have all of the features below.

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What’s included in the BMW Premium Package?

The Premium package from BMW contains the following options, depending on the model you are buying.

Due to the variety of options on each model, the Premium package can be significantly different, so it’s vital to check the below list to confirm:

Within the Premium package, there are features that are self-explanatory, such as heated seats or lumbar support. There are a few features that aren’t clear though, so to cover those we’ve added detail below:

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Live Cockpit Pro With Heads-Up Display

The Live Cockpit Pro feature is BMWs take on a fully digital and customizable display. Replacing traditional dials, this system offers a single screen with gauges for speed and rpm, alongside a central area that displays different functions.

These functions can include maps, music selection, and driver assistance tools. The live cockpit allows you to operate functions that would usually require the central infotainment screen, allowing you to focus on the driving. 

This feature also comes with a Heads-Up Display system. The HUD can also show detailed information from a number of functions, including navigation prompts and multimedia info.

The digital display you get in the BMW premium package isn’t as strong as Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit,’ but it is still a useful feature to have. The HUD is excellent though and in our opinion, one of the best in the industry.

To find out more about the BMW Heads Up Display, check out our article here

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Comfort Access Keyless Entry

The comfort access keyless entry system allows you to open and start your BMW without touching the key. The system works by identifying a key that is nearby (in your pocket for example) and the sensors do the rest.

This feature also allows you to lock your door when exiting the car, without using the key. Simply pressing a button on the door handle will lock the car. You also get contactless access to the trunk, by activating a sensor under the rear bumper with your foot.

This might seem like a trivial feature, one that’s present on most cars these days. That’s true, but for me, it’s still a bonus to avoid having to fight to dig your keys out every time you need to start the car.

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Remote Engine Start

Remote engine start may sound like a continuation of the comfort access feature, but it’s not. This option allows you to start the engine remotely (clue in the title) with either the key or your smartphone. With each device, you can control the temperature to prepare the cabin exactly how you want.

This is a feature that’s fantastic in the right conditions. For example, if you’re in a colder climate, pre-heating the cabin and engine before driving is going to make your life a lot easier on those colder mornings. Then again, if you’re in a milder climate, you’re unlikely to get much use out of this feature.

I’ve had the remote engine start on a previous BMW, and here in the UK, I barely used the function. Sure, it helped on a couple of icy mornings and saved me from sitting in the car while it defrosted, but apart from that, the remote start wasn’t used. Overall, this will either be incredibly useful or an unnecessary add-on.

To find out more about BMW’s remote start system, check out our article here

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Ambient Lights Package

The ambient lights package is BMW’s answer to the growing trend of illuminating as much of the cabin as possible. I’ll be completely honest; for me, ambient lighting is one of those features you buy to impress passengers. As a driver, the last thing I’m concerned with is what ‘mood’ to set in the car.

That being said, the ambient lighting system from BMW is one of the best out there. It’s not as detailed as the Mercedes system, but features like ‘Dynamic Lighting’ help to make BMW’s system impressive. On current BMW models you get a choice of 64 colors, and if we’re being honest, that’s more than enough.

To find out more about the BMW ambient lighting system, check out our article here.

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Harman Kardon sound system

When you think of premium features in a car, one item I’ll always look for is a great speaker system. Like its rivals, BMW has partnered with a sound system company, Harmon Kardon, to improve their cabin. The result is a huge step up from the basic sound system, and if this weren’t included in the Premium pack, I’d include this as a standalone option.

The Harmon Kardon system is better in every way. You get more speakers, clearer sound, and a good amount of customization. It’s not as good as the top-spec Bowers & Wilkins option, but that’s only available on a handful of BMW models.

To find out more about the Harman Kardon system, check out our article here.

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Wireless Charging

Another useful feature of the Premium pack, is a wireless charging pad. This upgrade is only available on a handful of BMW models, but if you don’t see it listed under the model you want, don’t worry – it’s standard on most of the current BMW range.

The wireless charging pad works the same as in any other car. If your phone is compatible, place it face up on the charging pad, and you should see a light to confirm the phone is charging. It’s a small detail, but it saves the pain of remembering the different wires for each smartphone, and the right USB connections.

To find our more about BMW’s wireless charging feature, check out our article here.

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Iconic Sounds

One of the more unusual extras included in the Premium Pack, the iconic sounds feature, is a new introduction from BMW. It is only available on a couple of models, and the aim of this option is to create sounds inside your electric/hybrid BMW to enhance the experience.

The first thing you’re thinking is probably, ‘This sounds like marketing nonsense,’ and I thought that at first, too. When you actually try it though, it’s surprisingly effective and has a distinct sound for each driving mode. Put the car in Sport mode, and the noise is aggressive, responding to the acceleration. In Eco mode, it’s far more relaxed to suit that driving style.

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Active Driving Assistant

Another new feature in the Premium pack, the Active Driving Assistant feature, allows you to drive semi-autonomously. This simply means that your BMW can use active cruise control to keep speed consistent and monitor the speed of vehicles around it. You also have a steering assistant to keep your BMW in the middle of the lane.

This isn’t a fully automated driving system, but on longer journeys, I imagine this will be a great feature to have. I haven’t had a chance to test these new BMW features, but when I get an opportunity, I’ll update here with my thoughts.

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How Much Does The Premium Package Cost?

Due to the variety of features included in each Premium package, the cost varies quite a lot depending on the BMW you select. In summary, the costs for each model are below:

• X1 28i – $4,200
• X1 M35i – $2,800

• X3 30i – $3,550
• X3 M40i – $1,350

• X4 30i – $2,100
• X4 M40i – $1,350

• X5 40i – $2,550
• X5 50e – $2,300

• X6 40i – $2,550

• X7 40i – $1,850

• 230i – $3,350
• M240i – $1,950

• 228i – $3,350
• M235i – $2,650

• 330i – $2,250
• 330e – $2,350
• M340i – $1,350

• 430i – $2,100
• M440i – $1,350

• i4 35e – $1,900
• i4 40e – $1,900
• i4 M50 – $1,650

• 530i – $2,550

• i5 40e – $2,850
• i5 M60 – $2,500

• 740i – $1,750
• 760i – $1,750
• 750e – $1,750

• i7 50e – $1,750
• i7 60 – $1,750
• i7 M70 – $1,750

• Z4 30i – $3,000
• Z4 M40i – $1,350

• iX 50 – $3,700

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Is the Premium Package Worth It?

Overall, the Premium Package offers some great value for money, although it depends on the BMW model. Across all the possible features, if your premium pack contains the Cockpit Pro with HUD it’s a must-buy for me, it’s too good to miss out.

There are a few models, such as the X3 and 2 Series Gran Coupe, where the premium pack feels too expensive. If you’re looking at a BMW model on these lists and the cost looks too high, you may be able to select individual features for a lower cost.

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How Does This Compare To Other BMW Packages?

For me, the Premium Package is a solid, all-around choice. In most cases, it contains a lot of useful features, but they are often combined with some extras that you’re unlikely to need. 

The Executive Package is one of our favorites from BMW, and although it carries a premium price tag, there are some great features in the pack too. If you’re looking for driving support, the Advanced Driving Assistant Package is worth looking at too.

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If you want to find out more about BMW, and other manufacturers, check out the links below:

What BMW Seat Materials Are Available?

Mercedes Benz Premium Package Explained

The BMW Luxury Seating Package Explained

Which BMWs Have The Best (and Worst) Resale Values?

The Best BMW Daily Drivers

BMW Dynamic Handling Package Explained

Comparing The BMW X6 vs The Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe

The Most Reliable BMW SUVs