BMW To Offer Digital Radio From May

Digital radio remains a relatively new technology in Australia, with the first services 'switched on' in Australia's mainland capital cities in 2009.

There are now around 18 new digital stations available nationally, but Australia's car industry has been slow to adopt the technology in its new models.

That's set to change however, with BMW Australia announcing that from May, it will offer DAB+ digital radio systems as an optional extra.

Offered as part of the BMW ConnectedDrive range of features, the technology will be offered for the 5 Series and 7 Series only, along with the 6 Series range when it arrives later this year.

As for the company's other models, BMW Australia's Michelle Lang told TMR that sales and customer interest will determine wider availability.

"Eventually the technology is likely to trickle down to other models, but we'll monitor take-up of the option for the current models and and see which direction the technology takes," Ms Lang said.

The cost of the DAB+ option will vary from $900 to $950 depending on which model is purchased.