The new BMW 7 Series is the world’s first carmaker to combine both Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving systems in one vehicle. The new BMW 7 Series will feature the BMW Highway Assistant and BMW Personal Pilot systems. So what are these systems? Why are they so important?
BMW 7 Series combines both Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving systems
One of the autonomous driving systems, the Level 2 Highway Assistant, allows BMW 7 Series customers to take their hands off the wheel for longer periods of time. But drivers need to pay attention to road conditions and control the vehicle when necessary. The system performs functions such as changing lanes, overtaking slow-moving traffic and then slowing the vehicle to a preset speed. Drivers can initiate lane changes by looking in the side mirrors when the system suggests it.
The Level 3 autonomous driving system allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and delegate driving tasks to the vehicle. In the BMW 7 Series, BMW Personal Pilot L3 can drive up to 50 km/h without the driver having to watch the road. This means that the driver can watch TV or check emails in slow-moving traffic. However, the driver must always be ready to take over driving responsibilities.
The L2 and L3 autonomous driver assistance packages for the BMW 7 Series are currently available in Germany for €6,000. BMW says that vehicles already equipped with the Personal Pilot L3 system will also receive Highway Assistant functions from August 2024. As a footnote, let’s remind you that Mercedes also introduced Level 3 autonomous driving in 2022 and received approval to test this technology in the US.
What do you think? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section below.