BMW has made history as the first carmaker to integrate both Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance systems in a single vehicle. The innovative combination of the BMW Highway Assistant and BMW Personal Pilot L3 in the new BMW 7 Series marks a significant milestone in automated driving technology.
Level 2: BMW Highway Assistant Enhances Long-Distance Comfort
The BMW Highway Assistant, a Level 2 driving assistance feature, significantly enhances comfort on long journeys. Capable of operating at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph), this advanced system can be used on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. Drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel for extended periods, provided they remain attentive and ready to retake control.
In addition, the Active Lane Change Assistant allows the vehicle to change lanes autonomously. The system performs the necessary steering movements for overtaking and adjusts the vehicle’s speed as required. Drivers can initiate a lane change suggested by the system by simply looking in the exterior mirror to confirm it.
Level 3: BMW Personal Pilot L3 Introduces New In-Car Experience in Traffic Jams
The BMW Personal Pilot L3 offers highly automated Level 3 driving, enabling drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and temporarily divert their attention from the road at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). This feature allows the car to take full control in specific situations, such as traffic jams on the motorway, enabling drivers to engage in other activities like phone calls, reading, writing messages, working, or streaming videos. However, drivers must be prepared to reassume control within a few seconds when prompted by the vehicle.
Pioneering the Future of Automated Driving
The integration of these advanced driving assistance systems in the BMW 7 Series represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology. Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience BMW Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation: “We are setting new standards in the automotive industry by combining both technologies in the new BMW 7 Series. In the process, we are underlining our commitment to offering our customers a safe, comfortable, and innovative driving experience.”
The BMW Highway Assistant and Driving Assistant Professional are part of the optional BMW Personal Pilot L3 package, available exclusively in Germany for € 6,000 (including VAT). Additionally, drivers of previously delivered cars equipped with the optional BMW Personal Pilot L3 will be able to add the BMW Highway Assistant feature free of charge from August 2024.
This breakthrough combination of Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance systems positions the BMW 7 Series as a leader in the realm of automated driving, promising a more comfortable and relaxing experience for drivers on both long and short journeys.
