BMW has reported that it has received approval in Germany to introduce 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 system will be available in the new BMW 7 Series.
BMW Highway Assistant Level 2 can work at speeds up to 130km/h. It is an additional function of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant that can be used on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. On such roads, the driver is able to take their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods 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.
The BMW Personal Pilot Level 3 means drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and temporarily turn their attention away from the road. BMW says the feature enables drivers to fully delegate the task of driving to their car under certain conditions at speeds up to 60km/h.
Highly automated systems are capable of completely talking over the driving in specific situations – e.g., in traffic jams on the motorway – and can even let 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.
“We are setting new standards in the automotive industry by combining both technologies in the new BMW 7 Series,” said Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience BMW Group, in a statement. “In the process, we are underlining our commitment to offering our customers a safe, comfortable and innovative driving experience.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2024)
24 July 2024