Nextbase IQ in the test: Smart dashcam with OBD and remote access via LTE

Dashcams can be a helpful tool for determining who is at fault after a car accident. Small cameras film as soon as there is a significant delay so there can be evidence if there is an accident later. But car cameras have long offered more. Another feature is to monitor the vehicle while parking or send an automatic SOS after an accident.

The new Nextbase IQ combines many of these features with live access to the dashcam via mobile communication via LTE. This test shows how it works and whether it can be reliable in practice. We tried out the Nextbase IQ 2K 525 euros,

The Nextbase IQ doesn’t have a large display to display a video image. There’s only a small screen that shows the status of the dashcam. So how’s the reception and whether the camera is recording. A QR code also appears here during setup – more on that later.

The workmanship seems to be high-quality and futuristic, even if the housing is made only of plastic. The holder itself is glued to the windshield – there are no other attachment options. This makes it a little difficult to remove the holder later when changing vehicles. But the whole thing is bombproof. The dashcam can be removed from the holder itself.

However, the camera feels a bit large even without a proper display. The dimensions are quite generous 80 × 175 × 45 mm. So it doesn’t really disturb the field of vision, but it remains clearly present. Especially since the upper end of the holder, which also houses the mobile phone antenna and the intercom’s speaker, is quite massive. In our opinion, this could have been solved more compactly.

you can get one if you want Rear view camera for 167 euros Buy it and connect it to the dashcam. You attach it to the rear window and connect it to the Nextbase IQ via cable but we haven’t tested that yet.

The biggest special feature of the Nextbase IQ: power is supplied directly through the on-board electronics – either via an OBD-II connection or a hardwire cable. This is necessary so that parking spaces can also be monitored with the camera. In addition, the device does not block the 12-volt connection in the vehicle, which you can use for monitors with Android Auto (top list), as in our case.

The scope of delivery includes a long power cable with connection to USB-C on the camera as well as OBD2 for the vehicle and, optionally, a hardwire cable that is connected to the vehicle’s fuse. There are also additional adhesive pads from 3M in case you want to reattach the dashcam to another vehicle and a plastic tool that helps hide the cables under the headliner along with the windshield. The packaging also includes warning stickers for the vehicle that you are using a dashcam. These can be pasted onto the vehicle if necessary.

The easiest way is to plug the OBD-2 cable into the cockpit; the connection is usually located in the driver’s area on the bottom left – but ultimately it depends on the car model. We used an Opel Adam manufactured in 2015. To set it up, you must first use the app Nextbase IQ Downloading. The app explains all the necessary steps briefly and concisely. There are no other instructions. You register for an account, determine which subscription model you want and enter your payment details.

Once plugged in, run the cable along the windshield, trying to hide it behind the fairing. The Kunsthof lever as a tool helps with this. You should not turn on the camera yet, but you should turn on the ignition. Then you scan the QR code on the dash cam with your cell phone to connect to the camera. The Nextbase IQ already includes a 64GB microSD card.

If the vehicle is parked in a secure parking space for a long time, it is advisable to unplug the camera. Otherwise your car battery may drain if you leave it in your garage for a long time while traveling. In winter it can also put additional strain on the vehicle battery. As a backup, we again recommend a starting aid (best list).

Apart from the emergency recording button, there are no buttons on the camera. All settings are configured via the app. There is also voice control (command: “Hello dashcam”). But it works more reliably in English than in German – you specify the desired language in the app. The structure of the app itself seems logical and intuitive to us. When an alert is received, you can quickly access the live view of the camera or check previous recordings using the app.

Very unusual: The camera itself decides the length of the video clip to loop. Normally you set this yourself in the settings. However, the sensitivity of the acceleration sensor can be adjusted and many other modifications can be made, for example to monitor the parking space. The camera has so far rarely covered traffic situations, but more often when you approach the vehicle and sit in it. This can be a bit annoying, especially if you sit in the vehicle yourself and you are warned by the app.

We tested the 2K model with QHD resolution. Image quality is good and offers enough detail, even if colors look a little faded. Photos are still quite visible even in the dark. We were largely satisfied with the shots from the 2K version and were able to recognize most license plates. If you want even more image sharpness, we recommend the 4K version.

Dash cams usually have a G-sensor. If, for example, a strong braking maneuver occurs, the camera secures the recording in a protected area. But the Nextbase IQ can do much more. An LTE modem is integrated; you don’t need a SIM card because the network access is in cooperation with Vodafone. However, a subscription fee is payable. This means that the dashcam is always online – provided the network is available. There is a small battery on board for emergencies; this is mainly used to secure the recording in the event of an accident if the cable has come loose.

Parking space monitoring uses sensors. If desired, the app notifies the user via push that someone is approaching the vehicle. The camera is already recording. You can then access the live image via the cell phone. Alternatively, check the latest records. If you find a thief in your car, you can scare him away with an alarm sound from the intercom. However, in our opinion, parking monitoring poses a challenge when it comes to data protection. How do neighbors react when you film their driveway?

The so-called “Witness Mode” is quite special. You can activate it using a voice command if you feel threatened by passersby while in the car. The camera then starts a live stream and sends it to one or up to two emergency contacts to be determined in advance. There is no recording, however.

“Parent mode” is exciting for parents who lend vehicles to their children. Here, app users receive a notification when the vehicle leaves a certain area or exceeds the speed limit. You can then talk to the children via the intercom – i.e. scold them.

It also has an SOS function. If, for example, it detects an accident due to a sharp deceleration, during which the vehicle does not change its location and there is no reaction from the driver, the camera automatically sends an emergency call. We already know this feature from other dash cams such as the Nextbase 622GW (test report).

What is exciting for the future is the “Road Watch AI” feature – which has not yet been activated in Germany. This feature keeps track of vehicles in the area as well as their speed and distance. More smart features may follow.

Nextbase IQ is quite expensive. Simple 1k model with full HD already included 470 Euros. The 2K model with QHD resolution is priced at 520 Euros and a 4K version is included 590 Euros. Rear view camera included as an accessory 167 euros,

There are also subscription costs. Although you can use the dashcam for free, the range of functions is limited to the app and voice control. The full package with all services including cloud storage for 180 days costs 10 euros per month or 100 euros per year. There is a cheaper package for 7 euros per month or 70 euros per year, but it still includes parking monitoring or witness and guard mode.

The Nextbase IQ impressively shows what a modern, smart and networked dashcam can do. The image quality is good and the app is very intuitive to use. Because the dashcam is powered continuously and uses mobile communications, you can access the camera view at any time or be warned if someone is tampering with the car. Anyone who fears thieves or vandalism gets extra security here.

However, the legal use of parking space monitoring is controversial in our opinion. Dashcams are also expensive and have subscription costs. If you only want to film what is happening in front of the vehicle in case of an accident, you can find cheaper options.

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