BMW’s smart move

access many of the apps they use on their smartphone, as well as Google Assistant voice commands.

The wireless version of Android Auto does not work with all Android phones - the list of eligible devices includes the Google Pixel range, Google Nexus 5X and 6P, Samsung Galaxy S8 onwards and Samsung Note 8 onwards. Peter Henrich, senior vice-president of product management at BMW, said:

“Many of our customers have pointed out the importance to them of having Android Auto inside a BMW for using a number of familiar Android smartphone features safely without being distracted from the road, in addition to BMW’s own functions and services.” Patrick Brady, vice-president of engineering at Google, said: “We are excited to work with BMW to bring wireless Android Auto to their customers worldwide next year.

“The seamless connection from Android smartphones to BMW vehicles allows customers to hit the road faster while maintaining access to all of their favourite apps and services in a safer experience.”

Android Auto will be introduced to new BMWs using the 7.0 operating system from July, with the first public demonstration taking place at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest GLA - the second generation of the crossover model.

Taking on the likes of the

BMW X2 and Audi Q2, it’s

10cm higher than the car it replaces yet its overall length comes in just under 2cm shorter. Despite these changes, it’s said to offer more front headroom and rear legroom than the car it replaces could.

The interior will be familiar to anyone who has sat in the current-generation A-Class, with a twin-screen setup measuring 10.25-inches in high-spec models dominating the centre of the cabin. Lower specification cars will get two seven-inch displays instead. The driving position is higher than it was in the previous GLA, while the 421-litre boot represents a 14-litre increase over its predecessor.

From launch just two powertrains will be available; a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol in the GLA 200, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the GLA 35.

Prices for the new MercedesBenz GLA are likely to be revealed closer to the car going on sale this spring.