Snapshot
- Ioniq 6 will be the next model to get Bluelink
- Service involves vehicles being fitted with hardware, so can only come with updates
- Company offers five year subscription for free, rate thereafter not yet known
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric vehicle will be the next model to gain the company's Bluelink smartphone connectivity system in Australia.
Speaking at the launch of the facelifted 2023 Palisade in Sydney this week, in which Bluelink made its local debut, Hyundai said every new Hyundai will eventually use the app – but the upcoming EV will be next.
"The next will be Ioniq 6, that's early next year, but obviously that will have some different functionality around EVs," a Hyundai spokesperson told media.
"We need to evaluate it [Bluelink] on a model-by-model basis, so if we can implement it on something small like a model year update then we will, otherwise it will be a facelift or a major model change," Jonathan Lam, Hyundai's Senior Manager for Product Planning, added.
Hyundai says Bluelink's basic functions include monitoring of tyre pressures, brakes, and airbags, alongside remote starting. Remote door locking and window controls are available too, protected by a PIN system or biometric scanning.
Hyundai also touts real-time navigation via ‘Connected Routing’, using an inbuilt SIM and cloud-based server instead of traditional internal sat-nav. ‘Last Mile Navigation’ allows a driver to transfer directions from car to app to provide on-foot assistance via augmented reality or Google Maps. Other functions include a ‘find my car’ option and saveable trip summaries, and voice recognition for climate controls.
Bluelink additionally manages the Palisade's SOS button for 24/7 assistance. It controls automatic emergency calling when an airbag is deployed, plus optional geofencing and time fencing to control where and when the car can be driven.
‘Valet Mode’ allows owners to see the car’s status, while also limiting the driver’s access to the infotainment system. Where installed, Hyundai’s four-camera surround-view monitoring is accessible via the app.
In addition to the functionality provided for internal combustion models, owners of electrified Hyundais can start, stop and schedule charging via the app, and change climate control settings remotely.
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