If you’ve been following updates from your favorite car makers recently, you may have heard about subscription services for new cars. But instead of your favorite shows, you’re making a monthly payment for safety services, heated seats, and the ability to get full use out of your engine. Drivers aren’t happy about it, but the good news is that Hyundai isn’t, either. Let’s talk about how new vehicle subscriptions are changing car buying, the new Bluelink package from Hyundai, and when you can expect to hear about it at your local Hyundai dealer.

Subscriptions for Cars? It’s More Likely Than You Think

It all started when General Motors rolled out a mandatory 3-year OnStar subscription for new GMC and Buick models – adding $1,500 to the MSRP. The subscription included diagnostic services, an automatic crash response, and even a WiFi hotspot.

Then a new Mercedes-Benz EV included a yearly subscription package that improved acceleration and engine torque – in an engine that could already do that from the start. You had to pay for the right to access the entire engine in a car you had already bought.

Just recently, BMW started selling luxury features as a subscription service in South Korea—there were monthly payments for everything from heated seats to high-beam headlights.

Customers everywhere hated the idea and pushed back on it. Now, a car manufacturer is doing the same—Hyundai is offering a single package with all of these features permanently available.

Hyundai Introduces Their New Bluelink+ Package

Starting with the 2023 Ioniq 6 model, the Bluelink+ package will provide all Hyundai’s subscription services in a one-time payment bundle. Then it will be permanently available at Hyundai dealer locations starting with 2024 models.
But what does it include? Practically everything – collision and roadside assistance, maintenance reminders and software updates, remote start, and climate control, stolen vehicle tracking, smart voice recognition software, and more.

The only thing that isn’t permanent is OTA map updates – those are only free for
three years. According to Manish Mehrotra, VP of digital business planning and connected operations for Hyundai in North America, “Bluelink+ is part of our commitment to being a technology leader.”

And it’s certainly an industry-leading change. But what about access for used vehicle owners?

What This Means for Used Car Owners and Hyundai Dealers

Unfortunately, used Hyundais don’t get Bluelink+ permanently. Certified pre-owned models will get one year of service, and regular used cars will only have the package for three months.

There’s also no information on how much this will cost used vehicle buyers. This also means there will be little change for used Hyundai dealer locations, but it could draw more traffic to dealerships with new models in the showroom. There will be a distinct difference between new and used model offerings.

If you’re curious about the Bluelink+ package, remember to look at 2024 models as they reach dealer showrooms – and keep an eye out for more car subscription packages!