The era of “one-and-done” car buying is officially over. As we navigate through 2026, the automotive industry has fully pivoted toward the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV). Manufacturers have realized that while selling a car happens once every few years, selling “access” to that car’s features can happen every month.

For the modern consumer, this means the “sticker price” of a car is just the entry fee. To help you budget for your next vehicle, we’ve broken down the monthly costs of the most popular feature subscriptions across the major 2026 automotive players.

The Big Three: Luxury Connectivity Costs

In 2026, premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have moved away from physical “option packs” in favor of digital activations. Here is what you can expect to pay monthly for standard comfort and tech features.

1. BMW: The “ConnectedDrive” Store¹

BMW has expanded its digital storefront significantly.² While they … Continue reading >>>