Audi cars with wifi

5 Best cars with WiFi hotspots

Staying connected in today’s modern world is important. Here are 5 clever cars that include onboard WiFi internet hotspots.

We live in an age where connectivity is king, but until recently one of the places where the always-online generation has failed to connect is out on the open road.

But the world is rapidly changing, with several car manufacturers now integrating WiFi hotspots and new levels of connectivity within their latest models.

From concierge services to traffic reports, social media feeds to emergency services contact, the latest in-car internet services are among the most advanced technology the automotive industry has ever seen, not to mention the IT industry itself.

How does in-car WiFi work?

Pairing your smartphone with your car is nothing new, with most manufacturers now offering some form of in-car connectivity. Platforms such as Android Auto and Apple Car Play provide user interfaces that make using your data simple, intuitive and frequently touch-free.

But these systems rely on you bringing a data-enabled smartphone into the car, and then using your own data contract to access services.

In-car WiFi is different in that the car itself becomes the data hub. Using 3G or increasingly 4G cellular networks, the car has a built-in WiFi hotspot, to which you can connect not only your smartphone, but also your tablet, PC or even games console (don’t tell the kids!).

The car itself is the data provider, and most in-car WiFi systems operate via the user having a contract arrangement with the vehicle manufacturer itself to provide the necessary data.

WiFi enabled cars are also able to communicate with each other, which can bring huge benefits to drivers when sharing information around traffic conditions or weather warnings, as well as feeding back information about the car itself to dealers and manufacturers, helping you keep on top of service schedules and alerting you to mechanical problems before they arise. It’s pretty smart stuff.

The car as a WiFi hotspot, then, is becoming a big trend. Here are five of the cleverest cars to integrate their own WiFi hotspots.

Best cars with built in WiFi

Audi A8

Audi was the first manufacturer to experiment with in-car WiFi, with 3G-enabled services appearing in the USA in 2011. Since then, it has refined and developed its system, known as Audi Connect.

Connect now appears in all Audis from the A1 supermini to the R8 supercar, but the latest and greatest version of the system is about to debut in the all-new A8 saloon. Sharing its information with the driver via Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’, which replaces a traditional dashboard, its powerful WiFi hotspot is permanently on, warning drivers of bad weather and traffic, sharing emails and messages and keeping them up to date on social media happenings without the need to take their eyes off the road.

Vauxhall Astra

Introduced two years ago, the latest generation Astra was one of the first cars to bring WiFi hotspot technology to the mainstream market via its OnStar application.

Among other things, OnStar is a WiFi hub to which passengers can connect up to four individual devices, subject to a subscription. It’s also a concierge service, while a live multilingual call centre can be accessed at the touch of a button to answer any queries you may have, such as local information, sat nav guidance and even audio controls. It’s a really clever system, but with GM selling Vauxhall to PSA, it might not be available forever.

Mercedes Benz E-Class

The E-Class is already one of our favourite executive cars, but the availability of Mercedes-Benz’s InCarHotspot functionality makes it even more desirable.

Like the Vauxhall system, the Mercedes platform allows for up to four devices to be connected at once, while added functionality includes the ability to use the car’s integrated touchscreen as a browser, though this is disabled (sensibly) when the car is in motion.

Even while on the move, InCarHotspot allows connection speeds of up to 7.2MbPS, which is as fast as some home internet systems.

Volvo XC40

The latest XC40 crossover is the first Volvo model to be fully equipped with On Call, an app-based service that allows you to control your car via your smartphone.

By that, we don’t mean driving it like a games console, but we do mean convenience features. You can lock and unlock it, for example – perfect if you can’t remember if you locked it when you parked, or if a family member needs something out of the car and you have the keys. You can also remotely check your fuel level, set the climate control and even select your music before your journey.

An On Call subscription is surprisingly affordable — £35 for one year, or £55 for two.

BMW 3-Series

The ever-popular 3-Series is still one of the best choices out there for business users, but with BMW’s Car Hotspot LTE, it’s even more company car friendly. The system uses a SIM card reader in the car’s centre armrest, which allows users to connect to WiFi via the car’s built-in antenna, ensuring a strong signal in most areas.

The system is portable, too, which gives two additional advantages. First, you can take it with you and use the hotspot outside of the car – perfect if you stop for a coffee and need to catch up on your emails – and, being a dealer-fit accessory, it can also be installed in second-hand cars. This means that you don’t even have to buy the very latest car to take advantage of the latest technology.

Like these? Then Check out the 5 top infotainment systems of 2017, here.

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The best cars with WiFi internet hotspots

Can’t survive without the internet? Nope, us neither. Thankfully, lots of new cars can keep us connected even when on the move with onboard WiFi internet hotspots. Aside from keeping up with Instagram, there are loads of practical uses – live traffic updates, weather reports and even the ability to contact the emergency services in the event of an accident. We’ve taken a look at some of the best cars with internet hotspots you can buy. If any of these cars take your fancy, take a look at our new car deals page to see the discounts carwow could help you get. Want to mirror your phone’s screen in your car? Check out the cars that feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Audi – Audi Connect

The Audi Connect WiFi system is simple to set up – buy an online-enabled SIM card, plug it in and you get access to a wide range of online apps via the MMI infotainment system. Once online, Audi drivers can keep up to speed with live traffic updates, weather forecasts, parking and traffic info, and even the latest happenings on social media. The full Audi range is at least optionally available with WiFi hotspots, while the system in the A3 is the most comprehensive of all, granting users the ability to handle emails, text messages and even use Twitter. Try out the Audi A3 deals page to see how much money you could save on a new car.

BMW – Car Hotspot LTE

Thanks to its ability to allow up to eight devices to simultaneously connect, BMW’s Car Hotspot LTE is one of the best WiFi enabled systems for the easily distracted. The majority of the current BMW lineup boasts the facility to install a SIM card, which connects to the car’s external antenna for a strong signal. Located within the front centre armrest of most models, the system is removable and, thanks to its own battery source, can be used as a wireless hotspot away from the car. As a dealer-fit accessory, Car Hotspot LTE can be retrofitted to second-hand cars too.

Lexus – Lexus Hotspot

Thanks to an onboard SIM card reader, Lexus Hotspot allows for up to five WiFi-ready devices to be connected at any one time, providing a secure and fast internet connection while on the move. A dealer-fit accessory, the system is available throughout the current range including the NX SUV. In order to make regular connectivity more straightforward, Lexus Hotspot remembers previously-connected devices to make subsequent connections easy. Head over to the Lexus NX deals page to see the latest discounts available.

Mercedes – InCar Hotspot

Thanks to InCar Hotspot, occupants of many of Mercedes’ latest range have access to the internet on the move, at speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second. Available for high-end models like the E-Class, CLS and GLE, the onboard wireless network allows up to four devices to be connected simultaneously. InCar hotspot includes a web browser functionality (only operational when the vehicle is stationary), web radio, and access to RSS feeds which, if needed, can be read to the driver out loud. Check out the Mercedes CLS deals page to find the latest savings.

Tesla Model S – WiFi

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to find out that Tesla – one of the most forward-thinking, tech-savvy car manufacturers – offers a standard-fit WiFi hotspot. Inside the Tesla Model S’ cabin, all occupants (up to seven in total) can browse the internet on any wireless device while the driver has access to a sat nav system with real-time traffic updates through the 17-inch touchscreen on the dash. The system comes at a minimal cost to buyers, thanks to seven years’ free subscription.

Toyota – Touch 2 with Go Plus

Unlike some of the other systems here, Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus doesn’t have a facility to directly install a SIM card into the vehicle – it instead needs an internet-enabled mobile device to create its wireless network. Register your Touch 2 system with Toyota and you’ll be able to access a wide range of apps via the touchscreen infotainment system. Installed apps include fuel station locations and prices, weather reports and even local parking space availability. Touch 2 with Go Plus is offered on some of Toyota’s larger models, including high-end versions of the Auris, Avensis and the new Prius. Why not try the Toyota Prius deals page? From there, you’ll be able to discover the latest savings on the super-frugal hybrid.

Vauxhall – OnStar

Vauxhall’s OnStar system is found on some of the most affordable cars on our list – it’s even offered as standard on some versions of the Viva city car. In addition, it’s one of the most all-encompassing WiFi options on the market. That’s because OnStar isn’t simply a wireless hotspot, but a connected service designed to help the driver. In the event of a technical issue, a call centre operative can offer assistance at any time and, in the event of an accident, they can contact the emergency services. If the vehicle is stolen, OnStar can track its whereabouts precisely and inform the police. A smartphone app can monitor diagnostic processes like tyre pressure and oil levels, and even program the sat nav. The first year’s subscription to OnStar is free, and subsequent years cost an annual rate of £79 with internet connectivity charged on top of that. Spec up a Vauxhall Viva through our deals page to see the savings on offer.

Volvo – Volvo On Call

Like many of the other internet-enabled systems here, Volvo On Call is a subscription-based service, which requires drivers to buy their own SIM card to get online. Available throughout the Volvo range, On Call allows users to monitor the car’s vital signs like fuel level and service intervals through a mobile app. The same smartphone functionality offers the function to lock or unlock the car doors from anywhere – perfect if you regularly forget to lock up – and can inform the owner if the car thinks it is being stolen. Want to save money on a new car? Head over to the Volvo XC90 deals page to find all of the latest offers.

Save money on your next new car

Keen on any of our top wireless choices? Our new car deals page will find you the best savings on any of the models featured here. If you can’t quite figure out what your next car will be, our car chooser is here to help.

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