Access By BMW Subscription Program Said To Launch In Nashville

Luxury automakers have been scrambling to launch their own subscription services. And according to the latest intel, BMW will be next.

Ahead of what’s sure to be an imminent announcement, Automotive News reports that the Bavarian automaker is preparing to launch Access by BMW. And like Porsche, it will roll it out with a pilot program limited to one location – in this case: Nashville, Tennessee.

Why Nashville, we couldn’t tell you, specifically. The southern metropolis is home to Nissan’s US operations, as well as those of its upscale offshoot Infiniti. But BMW evidently feels its burgeoning class of hip 30-somethings growing in the Tennessee city makes for a prime location for the pilot program.

What to expect from the subscription program

We’ll have to wait for exact details of the program, but we can expect similar parameters to similar initiatives launched recently by rival automakers. Services like Book by Cadillac and Care by Volvo offer access to vehicles as an alternative to buying or leasing. They also roll most of the costs associated with vehicle ownership (or usage) into one monthly payment, including registration and maintenance, and even offer the chance to change between vehicles on demand.

Most such programs are limiting their availability to specific geographic areas. Porsche’s is restricted (for the time being) to Atlanta, for example, and Cadillac’s is rolling out in major metropolitan areas.

Are other automakers offering similar programs?

Lincoln and Mercedes are preparing to roll out similar subscription plans of their own, as is Volvo’s Polestar electrified performance brand. Following reports that Lexus was considering launching a subscription plan, the automaker announced (but did not detail) its intent to offer the new UX crossover by subscription as well.

At this rate, we can expect other luxury automakers to follow suit with pilot programs of their own in the coming months. In the meantime, watch this space for more details on BMW’s initiative, which could very well be announced at the New York Auto Show this week.