PressClub Asia · Article.
Road to autonomous driving: BMW is the first car manufacturer to receive approval for the combination of Level 2 and Level 3.
25.06.2024 Press Release
+++ Level 2 and Level 3 functions now offered for the first time in the new BMW 7 Series +++ BMW Highway Assistant and BMW Personal Pilot L3 now available together +++ Even greater comfort on short and long motorway journeys +++
Press Contact.
Kimberley Ng
BMW Group
Tel: +65-6838-9629
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Author.
Christophe Koenig
BMW Group
Munich. BMW is the first carmaker in the world to
receive approval for a combination of a Level 2 driving assistance
system (the BMW Highway Assistant) and a Level 3 system in the form of
the BMW Personal Pilot L3 in the same vehicle. The new BMW 7 Series
therefore sets a milestone in the field of automated driving by
offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the benefits of both systems in
the same car.
BMW Highway Assistant (Level 2): greater comfort on long
journeys.
This advanced Level 2 feature enhances comfort
significantly on long-distance journeys especially thanks to its
ability to operate at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). The BMW Highway
Assistant is an additional function of the Steering and Lane Control
Assistant that can be used on motorways with structurally separated
carriageways. On such stretches of road, the driver is able to take
their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods and position
them comfortably, provided they continue to pay attention to what is
happening on the road and are able to take over the steering again at
any time.
While driving in partially automated mode, the BMW 7 Series
Sedan is also able to make lane changes without the driver having to
take hold of the steering wheel again. This is made possible by the
Active Lane Change Assistant, which performs the necessary steering
movements for the overtaking manoeuvre and adjusts the vehicle’s speed
as required as soon as the traffic situation permits. Plus, the driver
is able to initiate a lane change suggested by this system by simply
looking in the exterior mirror to confirm it.
BMW Personal Pilot (Level 3): allowing other in-car activities
in traffic jams.
Highly automated Level 3 driving
means drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and
temporarily turn their attention away from the road. The BMW Personal
Pilot L3 feature in the 7 Series offers a whole new driving experience
by enabling drivers to fully delegate the task of driving to their car
under certain conditions at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and look
away from the road. Highly automated systems are capable of completely
taking over the driving in specific situations, e.g. in traffic jams
on the motorway. This even lets drivers carry out other in-car
activities, such as making phone calls, reading, writing messages,
working or streaming videos. However, the driver must always be
prepared to reassume control within a few seconds when prompted by the
car, for example when there are roadworks.
The combination of all these driving assistance systems within a
single vehicle represents a significant advance and offers a
comprehensive set of functionalities for a more comfortable, more
relaxing drive over both long and short journeys. “We are setting new
standards in the automotive industry by combining both technologies in
the new BMW 7 Series,” says Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President
Driving Experience BMW Group. “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
both part of the optional BMW Personal Pilot L3, which is available
exclusively in Germany priced at € 6,000 (incl. VAT). Drivers of cars
equipped with the optional BMW Personal Pilot L3 that have already
been delivered will be able to add the BMW Highway Assistant to its
range of functions free of charge from 08/24.