BMW has confirmed it will offer SAE Level 2 partial autonomous driving starting in 2027. This system will be available initially in Germany before expanding to other EU countries. The hardware is already installed in recent BMW models and upcoming ones, but the software activation will come later.
Partial Autonomy Designed for City, Highways, and Rural Roads
The new BMW automated driving system, called Motorway and City Assistant, aims to handle driving tasks in urban areas, highways, and rural roads. It will use BMW Maps for active navigation to manage complex maneuvers like turns at intersections, yielding priority, lane changes in cities, and even navigating roundabouts.
Unlike full autonomous systems, this Level 2 system requires the driver to stay attentive and ready to take control. The driver remains legally responsible and physically in charge of the vehicle at all times.
Cooperative Driving with BMW Symbiotic Drive
BMW’s Symbiotic Drive feature allows the vehicle to work smoothly with the driver’s inputs. For example, if the driver decides to steer, brake, or accelerate, the system won’t shut off abruptly or fight the driver’s actions. Instead, it will cooperate by detecting the driver’s gaze and intent, maintaining a supportive role rather than taking full control.
Hardware Ready; Software to Be Activated via OTA Updates
Models such as the iX3, iX4, the refreshed 7 Series, X5, and the whole 3 Series line already come equipped with the necessary hardware for this system. This also applies to both combustion and electric versions. The same will hold true for future Neue Klasse models, including a planned more affordable compact version.
The software enabling the partial autonomous driving will be delivered over-the-air starting next year in Germany. Owners can activate the system later, similar to how other driver assists are currently enabled.
System Monitors Driver Intent Through Steering and Eye Direction
The system determines when to assist based on the steering behavior and where the driver is looking. It helps by providing warnings or steering corrections in dangerous situations, such as an imminent collision or accidental lane departure.
Joachim Post, BMW’s development head, explained that the system will support drivers fluidly from highways to city streets without overriding the driver’s freedom to intervene, keeping true to BMW’s focus on driving enjoyment.
Regulatory Steps and Future Rollout
The system has passed real-traffic tests by an independent technical service, meeting the updated European UNECE R171 regulation for Level 2 driving assistance. BMW expects official regulatory approval by early 2027.
Following confirmation, the company will progressively launch the system in other European markets beyond Germany. Meanwhile, BMW is preparing legal protection for several aspects of this technology.
Source: motor.es