What is Hyundai Bluelink+?

Hyundai BlueLink is an advanced smartphone-based connected services system that offers a range of features, including a vehicle locator and emergency assistance. In 2023, Hyundai rebranded the system as Bluelink+, offering all the same features along with new improvements without subscription fees. Bluelink+ first debuted on the all-new 2023 Ioniq 6 and has been expanding across Hyundai's entire vehicle lineup, starting with the 2024 model year and beyond.

What Makes Bluelink+ Significant?

Hyundai aims to standardize access to safety, maintenance, and remote technology features through Bluelink+. This industry-leading connectivity program is available to all new owners at no recurring subscription fee. In other words, owners can use the Bluelink+ technology and services indefinitely.

Many of Hyundai's competitors offer connected services free of charge for limited periods ranging from one month to 10 years. In most cases, only a select number of services are offered at no cost. However, Hyundai is the only brand that provides a full range of connected services for free throughout the entire ownership period.

To sign up for Bluelink+, create a MyHyundai account or log in to your existing one by following these steps:

1. Visit MyHyundai.com⁠ and click ‘Register.’
2. Follow the steps to set up your account. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to complete the enrollment.
3. Sign in to MyHyundai using the account you created through the BlueLink app.

Unfortunately, subscribing to Bluelink does not allow you to upgrade to Bluelink+. Bluelink+ is only available for the 2023 IONIQ 6 and new Hyundai vehicles with Bluelink starting from the 2024 model year.

What Features Does Bluelink+ Offer?

Bluelink+ continues to provide a wide range of safety, convenience, and maintenance features. The system includes automatic collision assistance, SOS services, remote diagnostics, maintenance reminders, and over-the-air (OTA) updates for the engine control unit.

The most recent feature upgrades to Bluelink+ relate to expanded EV capabilities. Owners now have more tools to monitor their range, locate charging stations, and schedule charging times remotely, taking advantage of low-demand hours and rates.

Aside from electrification, most of Bluelink's core features remain the same, with only minor improvements.

• Remote engine start and cabin controls—You can remotely start the engine at a preset time, pre-condition the cabin, and even activate the vehicle's heated steering wheel. Bluelink+ also allows you to save favorite settings and will send an alert if the car is low on gas or battery charge for electric vehicles (EVs).
• Vehicle locator—Whether you've forgotten where you parked or someone has stolen your car, Bluelink+ will assist in finding your vehicle.
• Emergency assistance—Includes SOS emergency, roadside help, and automatic collision alerts to make sure you're never stranded.
• Geofence, curfew, and speed alerts—Help keep teen drivers safe with custom, preset notifications while they’re on the road.
• Panic notification—Set up automatic text or email alerts to notify friends or family if your panic button is triggered.
• Stolen-vehicle recovery—Helps law enforcement find and recover your vehicle.
• Local recommendations—Google-powered local search provides food, entertainment, and points of interest suggestions.
• Reminders and diagnostics—Monitors the vehicle's health with maintenance alerts and real-time diagnosis of urgent repair needs.
• Dealer locator—Shows the closest dealership address, contact information, and hours of operation.
• Compatibility—Bluelink+ is compatible with all major smartphone operating systems, including Apple and Android. It also works with most smartwatches. Its integration with voice assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, has also grown.
• Available Wi-Fi hotspot—Enjoy internet access from your vehicle with a Verizon data plan.

Does Bluelink+ Offer Different Packages?

Bluelink+ is divided into two tiers. The first is the Basic tier, which includes automatic collision notifications, maintenance alerts, and remote diagnostics. The second tier is the Advanced tier. This level adds enhanced roadside assistance, stolen-vehicle tracking, and other helpful features. Organizing Bluelink+ this way makes it stand out from what other auto brands offer.

Technically, there’s no reason to have two separate tiers if both are all-inclusive. However, this applies only to new vehicle owners. Certified pre-owned buyers receive the Advanced tier for one year, while used owners get a three-month trial period. After the trial, a monthly fee applies.

The History and Future of Bluelink

Bluelink was introduced on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, offering a range of connected services. At that time, the subscription service provided three packages: Connected Car, Remote, and Guidance. All three packages were free for new Hyundai buyers for three years. After that, each Bluelink package cost $99 a year.

As the world shifts to EVs, Bluelink+ has become even more integrated into daily driving. Hyundai EV owners can use BlueLink+ to schedule home charging when electricity prices are lowest, pre-condition the cabin, and find nearby charging stations with navigation-based search.

Recent updates also include enhanced cybersecurity features and improved OTA update capabilities, ensuring that Bluelink+ continues to evolve with new vehicle technologies.

Summary

Hyundai's suite of connected services continues to evolve with Bluelink+. As customers increasingly rely on connected features, most automakers still charge subscription fees to access these technologies.

Hyundai is taking a different approach with Bluelink+, offering an all-in-one connected-car system that effectively reduces the cost of vehicle ownership while providing owners with more peace of mind, convenience, and control throughout their ownership experience.

Visit the Shopping Guides section of the website to learn more about different automotive technologies.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek, and her work has appeared on Autotrader.

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