Many automakers are turning to subscriptions in order to bring in extra money. Owners benefit by having the option to choose if they want these services or being able to skip out. While some subscriptions seem like a waste of money, Hyundai has released the Bluelink+, and it appears to be a very useful connectivity system that Ioniq 6 owners should take advantage of. Here’s why.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the latest EV to join Hyundai’s lineup, and it’s the first all-electric sedan. It starts at $41,600 and has a respectable range of 240 miles. The SE trim increases this to 361 miles. 

It comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a rearview monitor with parking guidance, and Bluetooth. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 currently ranks in three major 2023 World Car Awards. These include the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle, and World Car Design of the Year. As great as all this is, one other perk may sway buyers toward the Ioniq 6 over the competition.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 owners get an unexpected perk

Bluelink+ is an updated form of Bluelink that will be available on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 for owners and all 2024 Hyundai models. Older models will still have the Bluelink, but it won’t be able to upgrade to the Bluelink+. It’s not really a big deal, though, because they both have the same function. 

Each offers remote start with climate control, remote door lock and unlock, on-demand diagnostics and alerts, destination search, remote car finder, climate control adjustment, and vehicle health and maintenance information. For owners on the go, this is the perfect way to keep up with maintenance and start their vehicles without having to search for their keys.

Hyundai reports that the major difference between Bluelink and Bluelink+ is how you pay for them, and states, “For 2023 Ioniq 6 and all 2024 and newer Hyundai models, Bluelink+ is at no charge for all Ioniq 6 original owners.” 

This is huge because there are three Bluelink packages, according to Hyundai, which aren’t cheap. These include Connected Care, Remote, and Guidance. Each costs $9.90 a month, or $29.70. This comes to $356.40 per year, which can get pricey. With the Bluelink+, 2023 Ioniq 6 owners will never have to worry about paying for it.

In order to use Bluelink+, you can use it on your iPhone (OS 13.6 and above), Apple Watch (OS 2.0), Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Android Smartphones (OS 12 and above), smartwatches powered by Wear OS by Google (OS 7.0 and above), and Tizen smartwatches (OS version 2.3 and above.)

Owners will enjoy these other connected services

Hyundai is owned by the Hyundai Motor Group, which also owns Kia and Genesis. They also have their own connected services, Kia Connect and Genesis Connect.

The Hyundai Media Center was pleased to report that over 10 million subscribers have signed up for these services in just a one-year period. Some of the features that have helped with this incredible growth include over-the-air (OTA) updates, in-car payments, and audio/video streaming.

While it’s not recommended to use some of these services while driving, like streaming the latest episode of your favorite Netflix series on your phone, they do make life easier for drivers. From scheduling appointments without having to manually use your phone or make payments before they become overdue, Hyundai’s new Bluelink+ is a great investment for new Ioniq 6 owners.