2024 Premium Connectivity Trial Extension

[Houtex]

I copied and pasted the text from my Lincoln App. I cannot imagine that we will lose Google maps, the ability to control features in the car using verbal commands or any widgets. Of course, like all of you, I don’t really know.

I think having native navigation is an expectation for a car at this price point. I can see losing some of the map features like traffic, maybe something else…, but not the actual navigation.

If we lose the ability to control things with verbal commands, that becomes a safety issue for Ford and Google with the many buttons you have to press to get things done.

I also think the widgets are separate, at least most of them. The trip widgets, clock etc are just basic things that every car has. It’s possible the weather could be removed. I can see where you may have to pay for future specialty widgets from third parties etc.

I also think the package is overpriced at the current level. Most of us can use Car Play or Android Auto in lieu of paying for this at this price point.

LINCOLN PREMIUM CONNECTIVITY

Lincoln Premium Connectivity is designed to create an engaging and exciting behind the wheel experience, both while you are driving and parked. Get more done with that easy, effortless feeling you love.

Expiration Date 09/01/2025

AVAILABLE PLANS

Monthly plan $14.99
Annual Plan $179.95

KEY FEATURES

GOOGLE MAPS
Google Maps helps you efficiently reach your next destination with real-time traffic info, automatic rerouting, and voice control.

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Listen to your favorite streaming audio on the go with popular services like Spotify and more. Immerse yourself in games and video content during parked moments in your vehicle.

APP DOWNLOADS
Download more apps on Google Play right on your vehicle touchscreen and access them all easily there, including games, video-conferencing apps and even unique apps specifically designed for your Lincoln vehicle.

PODCASTS, AUDIOBOOKS AND MORE
Catch your latest favorite podcast, hear audiobooks, learn a new language -- and so much more. With Lincoln Premium Connectivity, every drive has as story to tell.

FLASH BRIEFINGS & LONG FORM NEWS
Stay up to date with breaking news on the go. Simply ask Alexa to “Play the news” or ask for your Flash Briefing -- and get a quick rundown of today’s top headlines.

 

[Houtex]

If we do lose Google Maps unless we pay $180 a year, I think there will be some pissed off customers. None of this seemed to be defined at the time we took possession of our cars. I remember asking what the costs would be for these features at the dealership and nobody knew the answers or what it was that we would be paying for. We still don’t. Because of this, Lincoln would do well to extend 2024 owners premium connectivity to four years, as it has done with the 2025 models. It seems they are using us to see what the market will bear. End of vent!

 

[Ccalvinn]

I hate that this isn't spelled out explicitly. It does feel like the owners of the 2024s are being used as guinea pigs to see how everybody else will react. If that's the case, react LOUDLY! Not just for yourselves, but for the future business model of Lincoln.

My fear is that 'Premium Connectivity' kind of sounds like the modem. Like any connectivity. We're all just guessing here, hence the hating that it's not spelled out, but if it's talking about all connectivity, I can't see how Google Maps would continue to work. When I lose signal on my phone, I lose Google Maps.

Another fear is Blue Cruise. When I had a recent issue of losing my connectivity, I didn't only lose Blue Cruise, I lost the lane centering ability. Blue Cruise kind of makes sense as it would need to check to see if the highway you're on has been mapped out for it, but the lane centering doesn't make sense to me. But I still had a four-hour drive without it when I lost connectivity.

I'm in a 2025 myself, so this doesn't affect me personally but I'm incredibly curious as to how it goes. Like I said, it not only affects the 2024 users, it could affect Lincoln's business model going forward. And regardless, 2025 Premium Connectivity 'free trial' will run out eventually and I'd like to know what it means before it happens!

Good Luck Everybody!

 

[markfm]

One of the Premium Connectivity descriptions indicated losing the real time notifications (construction site, police spotted, ...), and the how busy the road is line colors.

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[Billz]

So here is my guess. Lincoln will not turn off connectivity completely, just selective apps and features. In addition to the list I posted earlier Lincoln is clear about Alexia, streaming services like music, and wi-fi hot spot.Since the modem and connectivity is required for the Lincoln Way app Lincoln must continue to pay AT&T for some level of service. Maybe they will continue to support all the widgets as someone suggested.
I agree that the 2024 buyers should be treated to 4 years of service like the 2025 buyers.

 

[swindler]

So here is my guess. Lincoln will not turn off connectivity completely, just selective apps and features. In addition to the list I posted earlier Lincoln is clear about Alexia, streaming services like music, and wi-fi hot spot.Since the modem and connectivity is required for the Lincoln Way app Lincoln must continue to pay AT&T for some level of service. Maybe they will continue to support all the widgets as someone suggested.
I agree that the 2024 buyers should be treated to 4 years of service like the 2025 buyers.

I too think there will be some connectivity available. But very little. Streaming, gone. Native navigation, gone. OTAs, gone. Most of Lincoln Way, gone.

But I agree that the cost of maintaining AT&T service is minute. They can maintain that. The cost of anything requiring ample data usage is where Lincoln is asking us to pay.

 

[angore]

I too think there will be some connectivity available. But very little. Streaming, gone. Native navigation, gone. OTAs, gone. Most of Lincoln Way, gone.

But I agree that the cost of maintaining AT&T service is minute. They can maintain that. The cost of anything requiring ample data usage is where Lincoln is asking us to pay.

I do not think OTA will be gone and will not affect Lincon Way app much..Just mostly no google maps and voice navigation. Lincoln way car data should continue. My phone maps look identical to Lincoln maps. Any streaming service will gone if no phone.

 

[swindler]

I do not think OTA will be gone and will not affect Lincon Way app much..Just mostly no google maps and voice navigation. Lincoln way car data should continue. My phone maps look identical to Lincoln maps. Any streaming service will gone if no phone.

OTA shouldn't be much of a problem either way, since it appears updates rely heavily on Wi-Fi.

But I thought I read somewhere that remote features like lock/unlock, start, and location tracking rely on the premium service. I have to wonder about oil and washer fluid level, tire pressure, etc. That is really low volume data they could afford. Of course, the functionality that doesn't interface directly with the vehicle will all still be there.

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[Houtex]

One of the Premium Connectivity descriptions indicated losing the real time notifications (construction site, police spotted, ...), and the how busy the road is line colors.

Yes, but who is going to pay $180 a year for that? Seems steep. So maybe Google Maps does go away. It is the first thing listed under Premium a connectivity. Would really suck if that is the case.

Mercedes charges $16 a month for the list of features in the attachment. I remember Ford CEO Farley being quoted criticizing Mercedes for nickel and diming customers for some basic features. I agree.

$500 for Blue Cruise and $180 for “Premium Connectivity “ is quite a bit of change to have to dish out every year.

 

[angore]

Then there will be those that are not aware and will be upset when their maps disappear so visiting a dealer or calling Lincoln support.

The main issue I see is that it provides no additional function than my android phone. Until it expires, we will not be 100% sure what will disappear.

 

[Houtex]

It looks like we’re just at the beginning of this subscription based services paradigm and that prices will only go up from here. You can’t outright buy thing anymore. Companies want a consistent income stream, so you will be paying for services on an ongoing basis and these are just going to increase over time.

I did a Google search (what else would I use) on Google built-in and subscription prices. One interesting find is it seems GM is phasing out Android Auto and Car Play. See below.

Google built-in for automobiles subscription prices
The availability and pricing of Google built-in features in automobiles, like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, are determined by the car manufacturer and may be bundled with other services or packages.
For instance, General Motors (GM) offers Google built-in functionality through their OnStar plans, which are bundled subscription services. In the United States, these plans can cost anywhere from $14.99 per month for basic features to $52.99 per month for the premium plan. GM Authority reportsthat certain features, like accessing Google Maps, will eventually require a paid OnStar subscription after an initial free period, as GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in some of their newer models.
However, in some cases, Google built-in itself does not require a subscription, but features like embedded Wi-Fi might necessitate a separate data plan through a mobile carrier like AT&T.
In the case of vehicles with Android Automotive OS, Google Maps and other built-in Google services are often included as part of the vehicle's features or within a manufacturer's connectivity plan. For example, Volvo includes a free four-year data connection with the Android Automotive (AAOS) subscription, encompassing the voice assistant, Volvo app, and data for various applications.
It is important to remember that these details can vary significantly based on the car make, model, and year, as well as the country of purchase.Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with the specific car manufacturer or dealership to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for Google built-in features in a particular vehicle.
I also found a Volvo user’s complaint about the upcoming premium connectivity charge of $220 Canadian. I think we pay higher fees in the US and Canada then Other countries in Europe,

The Volvo website which uses Android Automotive states the following.

Digital Services​

Effective from: 2022-09-26
Published at: 2022-09-26
The price of the car includes access to the following digital services for a period of 4 years: Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, the Volvo Car App remote functions and data for the said services. After that period a prolongment or renewal will be offered, a subscription fee will in such case be added.

SIDE LETTER​

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TIME LIMITED SUBSCRIPTION FOR DIGITAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY VOLVO CARS​

Background​

Your Volvo car comes with a time limited digital service package which is further described in your car specification. The digital services are governed by separate Volvo Cars Terms of Services that you can find on the Volvo Cars webpage, Volvo Cars Terms of Service, and in the Volvo Cars app and will be provided directly by Volvo Cars.

Initial subscription term​

The initial subscription term for the digital services is set out in your car specification and is included in the purchase price for your car. The subscription term is calculated from when the car is first sold as a new car and the subscription follows the car and not you. So if you sell the car, then the subscription will transfer over to the new owner who will take over the remaining time of the ongoing subscription term.

Prolongation and renewal of subscription​

After the initial subscription period has ended, you will be offered to prolong or renew the digital services in your car as a separate subscription, for which you will need to pay ongoing subscription fees, if you wish to continue using them.

If you choose not to prolong or renew the digital services, they will be turned off. This may also affect the functionality of other car applications and third party services and applications. You will however still be able to use the smartphone integration in the car, FM radio and connect your mobile phone via Bluetooth. Other services will continue to run, if you do not renew the digital services, such as software updates, connected safety features, emergency call, breakdown call services etc.

Data usage​

Your digital services package comes with internet access services to enable you to fully enjoy the use of your Volvo car. Please note that we apply a fair data usage policy in terms of data consumption, and we reserve the right to suspend or limit your access to or use of such internet access services if your data usage is very high and disproportionate in relation to other users. The legitimate use of the digital services will not breach our fair usage policy, but you must not use the internet access services in an excessive or unreasonable manner. For more information, please see your car’s Owner’s Manual.

 

[CliffDiver]

I just noticed that the Premium Connectivity trial subscription for my 2024 has been extended again by 1 month to October 1, 2025. It previously was September 1st.

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[angore]

Mine is now 10/1 also.

 

[B_A_H]

Something interesting about premium connectivity. If you have an Amazon Music subscription all the music that's streamed to the car is in HD or Ultra HD. That's a heck of a lot of data being streamed through the AT&T modem. For those with a Revel audio system the quality of the output is noticeably improved. That alone is why I'll keep subscribing.

 

[swindler]

Something interesting about premium connectivity. If you have an Amazon Music subscription all the music that's streamed to the car is in HD or Ultra HD. That's a heck of a lot of data being streamed through the AT&T modem. For those with a Revel audio system the quality of the output is noticeably improved. That alone is why I'll keep subscribing.

FYI, Amazon Ultra HD streaming can be about 1.68 GB per hour. That rivals the bitrate of HD movies you could download from torrent sites (not that I know about that).

 

[CliffDiver]

It looks like they are giving us 2024 purchasers another extension. My Lincoln Premium Connectivity was again extended by Lincoln. This time for 2 more months until 11/30/25.

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[Houtex]

It looks like they are giving us 2024 purchasers another extension. My Lincoln Premium Connectivity was again extended by Lincoln. This time for 2 more months until 11/30/25.

I see the same thing. They keep adding short extensions. No idea why.

 

[Billz]

I see the same thing. They keep adding short extensions. No idea why.

Not a good look for Lincoln.

 

[swindler]

Not a good look for Lincoln.

That's +8 months for me so far. I'm not complaining.

I'm guessing it's for customer satisfaction ratings. They don't want to piss off the early adopters. The vehicle is still a bit divisive for many. There's so much to love, but you can get obsessed with little things to hate.

 

[CliffDiver]

If they truly wanted to enhance customer satisfaction, they could just increase it to the 4 years that 2025/26 owners are getting and be done with it.