- Kia says it will offer Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and LG channels
- Entertainment is only available when parked
- It’s not free as it comes part of a subscription -based parcel
KIA is the latest in a number of manufacturers starting to offer blockbuster entertainment inside vehicles, with a new subscription-based entertainment package unlocking Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and more.
Only available when parked, the optional new packages that essentially lock access to some of the world’s most popular streaming services, but also offer things like Stingray Karaokeas well as Baby Shark World for Kids.
First to the recently launched KIA EV3, the South Korean mark says that the extra software will soon be introduced to New Sportage, EV4, EV5 and all upcoming models in the future.
That said, it will only run on the newer vehicles driven by LG’s WebOS-based car content platform, for example, discounts older EV6.
Currently, it is also only available for European markets, for now with North America and other regions to follow. The Entertainment Standard package, which will be offered for free for a year, only supports music streaming and YouTube via Obigo.
A more comprehensive (and expensive) entertainment plus plan provides access to Netflix, Disney+ (in limited European countries) and YouTube via a native app.
Finally, an Entertainment Pluswifi package throws in all of the above as well as a WiFi -HotSpot feature in the car, which means passengers can tie and browse using the vehicle’s data package.
Analysis: Boredom Busting comes at a price
KIA joins a growing list of car manufacturers that transform their infotainment systems into media streaming units when parked.
For example, Mercedes-Benz has offered them as Disney+ through his MBUX system for some time now, while Tesla’s built-in browser can access streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Hulu.
Porsche’s passenger -specific display available on the Taycan, Panamera and Macan as an optional extra, even allows the seated passengers to enjoy a movie or play games when the vehicle is moving.
More and more we see digital screens within the vehicle double-up as entertainment platforms to kill time when parked … Something that many EV owners still find themselves while waiting to fill batteries.
It’s a good distraction and perfect for the times you forgot to pack iPads or other digital devices for the kids.
There have been several times where I have reviewed the protocol playing a pop quiz or watching an episode of Bluey In the passenger seat with the little ones when we wait for a charge session to be completed.
That said, the decision to charge is just to access streaming services as a backward step, especially when most people already spend a fortune every month on entertainment plans as it is.
KIA charges £ 74 a year (about $ 100/AU $ 154) or £ 7 (approx. $ 10/AU $ 15) per. Month for its most basic package, with prices rising to £ 34 (about $ 46/AU $ 70) for the first three months to Entertainment Plus Wi-Fi package.
This is in addition to the £ 80 (about $ 108/AU $ 166) a year required for the KIA Connect data pack, which is free in the duration of the warranty (7 years) but runs out when the vehicles enter the used market.
