Highly automated driving is available starting next spring

BMW’s highly automated driving is available as an option for the first time in Germany. The car takes full control of driving even in the dark, for the first time.

Level 3 of highly automated driving, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and temporarily shift their attention from the road, will soon be available in the new BMW 7 Series, called BMW Personal Pilot L 3, a new function that reduces the vehicle’s payload. The driver gets behind the wheel in certain situations and controls the speed of the car, the distance from the car in front of it, and its position in the traffic lane on his behalf. This new option will be available to order for the new BMW 7 Series (excluding i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive)* from December, with installation on cars from next March.

Designed to take on full driving duties with Level 3 automated driving capability as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the job will be offered exclusively in Germany at a price of €6,000 (VAT included).

This innovative technology allows drivers to redirect their attention to other in-vehicle activities when traveling at speeds of up to 60 km/h on divided lane highways. Thanks to its highly advanced sensors, it is the first system of its kind that can also be used in the dark.

The introduction of Level 3 automated driving in the BMW 7 Series models will make the BMW Group the first car manufacturer to offer not only Level 2 driving functionality in its product range, but also Level 3 functionality, where the driver can take what he or she wants. Take your hands off the wheel and travel more relaxed. BMW Highway Assistant already offers the highly innovative Level 2 SAE semi-automated driving function in all new BMW 5 Series models.

The package also includes the Active Lane Change Assistant function with eye movement confirmation. This has been designed primarily for use on long journeys with the new BMW 5 Series, allowing the driver to adopt a comfortable position behind the wheel. At speeds up to 130 km/h, this additional Steering Assist and Lane Control function can control the vehicle speed and steering, as well as the distance to the vehicle in front.

The notable difference between Level 2 and Level 3 is that in Level 2 (partially automated driving) the driver remains in charge at all times. When using BMW Highway Assistant, drivers must monitor what is happening on the road and be able to regain control at any time. A smart camera that constantly monitors your attention level.

On the other hand, the BMW Personal Pilot L 3, which enables highly automated driving level 3 in the BMW 7 Series, enables drivers to focus on secondary activities inside the car, without monitoring what is happening on the road. In the BMW 7 Series with BMW Personal Pilot L3 activated, customers will be able, for example, to process emails or talk on the phone while traveling at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

They can also benefit from digital services, such as streaming video from various service providers to the central screen during the flight. This makes the new BMW Personal Pilot L3 the ideal solution for making the most of your time while driving in slow traffic conditions or in traffic jams during your daily commute on the motorway.

Depending on the situation, the display behind the steering wheel displays symbols indicating the availability of BMW Personal Pilot L 3, which can be activated and deactivated via a button on the steering wheel. When using the function, the driver must be ready to regain driving control at any time – that is, as soon as the road condition requires it or when the section of road suitable for using BMW Personal Pilot L3 ends. Visual and audible signals inform the driver to regain control again. If the driver does not respond accordingly, the vehicle comes to a controlled stop.

A high-resolution map with precise tracks is updated in real-time based on GPS and works with 360-degree sensors to ensure precise location and tracking of the vehicle’s surrounding area. The map is always up to date thanks to regular updates. In the new BMW 7 Series, this function is technically supported by a new software suite, a powerful computing platform and 5G connectivity to the BMW Cloud. In addition to the cameras, cars ordered with BMW Personal Pilot L3 are also equipped with the latest generation of ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors and a highly sensitive 3D lidar sensor to monitor the area around the car and road conditions.

Thanks to this package of technologies, the BMW Personal Pilot L 3 operates extremely reliably even in the dark, outperforming competing systems. SAE Level 3 automated driving helps improve comfort and safety on public roads.

*BMW Personal Pilot L3 is only available with the relevant BMW ConnectedDrive services. These services are valid for two years.