Buckle up, automotive enthusiasts! The luxury sedan market is about to experience a seismic shift, as BMW rolls out unprecedented advancements in autonomous driving technology within its 7-Series lineup. Starting at just €6,000, German customers can now equip their BMWs with the integrated Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance systems.
July 1, 2024 at 12:05
Breaking Boundaries with Integrated Autonomy
When it comes to semi-autonomous driving, Tesla might be a household name, but BMW is now taking the limelight, being the first automaker to offer a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 systems in a single vehicle. Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD) system only hits Level 2, whereas BMW leaps ahead, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
The 7-Series' Highway Assistant (Level 2) and Personal Pilot L3 work in harmonious synchrony, but here’s the kicker: these groundbreaking features are available exclusively in Germany for now. Wielding these systems will redefine what it means to 'drive'.
- Level 2 autonomously handles steering and speed adjustments, but requires the driver to stay alert.
- Level 3 takes a step further, allowing drivers to divert their attention and engage in activities like phone calls, texting, and even streaming movies.
The Highway Assistant: Almost like Magic
The BMW Highway Assistant isn't just another driver aid; it promises to revolutionize long drives. It autonomously manages speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h) without constant hands-on intervention. Say goodbye to the mundane task of steering with its stellar automatic lane change function. All it takes to switch lanes? A simple glance at one of the wing mirrors.
Introducing Personal Pilot L3: Full Autonomy at Lower Speeds
Personal Pilot L3, the shining crown of BMW’s innovation, allows for a hands-free, mind-free driving experience up to speeds of 37 mph (60 km/h). While Tesla is still ensnared in the limitations of Level 2, with Personal Pilot L3, you can relax, make phone calls, send text messages, or even immerse yourself in a streaming movie marathon. Of course, drivers need to be prepared to assume control within moments if the system requires it.
Innovative Interface: Navigating Between Levels
A BMW spokesman shared with Auto News that the vehicle's interface has been redesigned to clearly demarcate when each system is active. This change emphasizes not just the importance of user-friendly technology, but also safety. Moreover, newly-ordered 7-Series models equipped with this package will have these features at the ready, while those who already splurged on Level 3 will get a complimentary upgrade to include the Highway Assistant as well, beginning in August.
Get ready to watch your favorite series or engage in a conference call, all while your car drives itself. BMW's dual integration is bound to make waves and sets a new bar for autonomous luxury travel. What's clear is that the future of driving is here, and BMW is steering us into uncharted, exhilarating terrain.