BMW is preparing to launch a new version of its City Assistant driver aid that can manage complex urban driving tasks by itself, including turns, roundabouts, and right-of-way decisions. The system is planned for rollout beginning in Germany in 2027 after gaining regulatory approval.
Expanded City Assistant Adds Navigation-Based Urban Maneuvers
Building on its current City Assistant, which already helps stop and restart the car at traffic lights, the updated system uses BMW Maps for active route guidance. This lets the car anticipate upcoming turns or merges to handle steering, braking, and acceleration on its own. BMW calls this expanded set of features Symbiotic Drive, designed to support drivers along their route through cities, country roads, and motorways.
While the system acts autonomously in many city scenarios, it remains classified as SAE Level 2. This means the driver must stay attentive and ready to take over at any moment. An in-cabin camera monitors the driver’s attention, ensuring the system operates only when someone is watching the road.
Right-of-Way and Complex City Situations Included
The new City Assistant aims to handle some of the hardest urban driving challenges. This includes managing unprotected left turns, four-way stops, and shared intersections—situations where driver aids often struggle. BMW has completed real-world testing of the system on public roads, a requirement for regulatory approval under recent United Nations rules known as DCAS Series 2.
This regulatory hurdle is significant because the new standard only came into effect in September 2024. BMW expects the official test approval early in 2027, after which the system will be available as an over-the-air software update on certain models.
Hardware Ready, Software Update Coming to Several Models
The hardware for this update is already installed as standard equipment in the latest iX3, iX4, and all versions of the X5, 3 Series, and 7 Series. This means owners of these models won’t need new sensors or dealer visits to gain the new functions once they are approved. BMW has not yet disclosed pricing for the urban assist features or whether the rollout will cover markets outside Europe later on.
Unlike BMW’s Highway and Commuting Assistant, which allows hands-off driving on certain highways up to 90 mph, the new city assistant does not permit hands-free operation. Drivers must remain engaged and ready to intervene.
This update positions BMW closer to Tesla’s driver assistance capabilities, specifically in handling complex city environments autonomously, albeit with driver oversight.
Source: motor1.com