Top 5 SUVs with the most complete 5G connectivity and online services on the Spanish market

Connectivity has stopped being an accessory and has become the nervous system of the modern car. The premium SUVs arriving at Spanish dealerships no longer limit themselves to offering Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: they integrate native 5G modems, electrical architectures capable of receiving OTA updates across all of the vehicle’s electronics, and online service ecosystems that come close to what, until recently, was exclusive territory of the smartphone. We have analysed the five most complete 5G SUVs on the Spanish market based on four objective criteria: type of onboard modem, infotainment platform, services included as standard and cost of premium subscriptions.

Why 5G changes the rules of the game in an SUV

The jump from 4G LTE to 5G is not merely quantitative. With latencies below 20 ms and bandwidths exceeding 100 Mbps in real-world conditions, 5G-connected SUVs can carry out tasks that previously required taking the car to the workshop: simultaneous updates of the traction control unit, the driver-assistance system and the infotainment without any user intervention. Add to this 4K video streaming on rear screens, video calls from the cabin while the car is parked charging, and cloud integration that allows climate preconditioning, real-time charging route planning or sharing the vehicle via digital key.

Technical criteria of the ranking

To draw up this list we weighted the modem (brand, category and supported bands), the infotainment architecture (SoC, operating system), the services included free of charge during the first years and the price of subsequent renewal. We also assessed the remote control app, the voice assistant with generative AI and the availability of native streaming services.

1. BMW iX xDrive50 — from €106,500

Munich’s electric flagship integrates a 5G modem developed with Samsung, compatible with bands n1, n3, n7, n28 and n78 in Europe. Its BMW iDrive 8.5 platform runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and manages two curved screens of 12.3 and 14.9 inches. The ConnectedDrive Store integrates AWS, Spotify, Amazon Music and navigation with real-time cloud data. Remote Software Upgrade updates arrive every quarter and affect more than 50 control units.

2. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350+ — from €86,000

Mercedes has built the EQE SUV on the MB.OS platform with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Auto 5G modem and an eSIM that activates automatically on delivery. The optional MBUX Hyperscreen deploys three OLED screens under a single 141 cm glass panel, powered by an NVIDIA Orin. It includes a voice assistant Hey Mercedes with generative AI (ChatGPT integration being rolled out), TIDAL in Master quality and OTA updates for the chassis, rear-axle steering and ADAS systems.

3. Audi Q6 e-tron — from €66,370

The Q6 e-tron debuts the PPE platform and an E³ 1.2 architecture designed for 5G from the outset. The modem works with dual antennas to maximise reception in low-coverage areas. Its digital cockpit combines a 11.9-inch curved driver display, a central 14.5-inch OLED screen and an optional third 10.9-inch screen for the passenger. The operating system, based on Android Automotive, allows native apps to be installed — including YouTube while parked — from its own store. The Audi connect plus subscription (about €15/month after the first year) unlocks predictive traffic and streaming services.

4. Volvo EX90 — from €84,000

Volvo has opted for deep integration with Google: native Android Automotive OS, Google Maps with charging planning, Google Assistant and the Play Store. The 5G modem comes alongside an NVIDIA Drive that centralises ADAS and infotainment computing. It offers native YouTube, silent OTA updates and an exceptionally polished Volvo Cars app for remote control.

5. Polestar 3 — from €79,500

It shares the SPA2 architecture with the EX90 and also Android Automotive, but Polestar has customised the visual layer and added Bowers & Wilkins audio with Dolby Atmos via streaming. The 5G modem supports carrier aggregation and the brand promises monthly OTA updates.

Summary table and overall score

FAQ

Which 5G SUVs offer the best connectivity-to-price ratio in Spain?
The Audi Q6 e-tron and the Polestar 3 are the most balanced options: access to Android Automotive with native apps, a 5G modem and regular OTA updates for under €80,000.

How much does it cost to keep the online services after the free period?
It ranges from €12 to €25 per month depending on the brand. BMW ConnectedDrive and Audi connect plus hover around €15, while Mercedes me connect Premium approaches €20.

Do OTA updates affect power or range?
Yes. In models such as the EX90 or the EQE SUV, OTA updates have improved efficiency, DC charging speed and even ADAS behaviour without visits to the workshop.

Can I use the car’s 5G as a hotspot for other devices?
All the models in the ranking allow you to activate a Wi-Fi hotspot through a separate data subscription, normally managed by Vodafone or Deutsche Telekom in the Spanish market.