BMW takes automated driving to cities next year

Partially automated driving in cities is expected to start getting to BMW cars by next year. These resources are now available in some models, but only on motorway.

In a statement, the manufacturer announced plans to introduce the system starting with Germany. The necessary tests were successful, with no regulatory approval. After that country, we expect gradual enlargement to other markets.

The system will have the ability to help the driver to perform maneuvers in an urban context – turning, round lane changes in urban context (as already happens on motorway) and in priority situations. Currently possible is the automated stop at red lights and then start when the green light is turned on.

They are autonomous driving functions Level 2 SAE, which do not dispense with the driver's permanent and attentive presence. Despite automationBMW Symbiotic Drive ensures intuitive interaction between driver and help systems, maintaining the possibility of speeding up, turning and stopping as you prefer without deactivating aid. The intention of the driver is detected based on the behavior of the direction and direction of the look.

On the other hand, Panoramic iDrive supports the safe use of partially automated functions. For example, if the driver assist is active, specific information is displayed in the driver view field in the Panoramic Vision. Already the display of the BMWs Maps with Driver Assistant on the central screen helps guide complex traffic.

Not all models are equipped

According to BMW, there's only five standard models equipped with the necessary equipment for the new functions. It's them neue Klasse iX3 and iX4, and Series 3, Series 7 and X5. The required software update will be done remotely (over-the-air).

In a statement, the member of the Development Board, Joachim Post, explained: “By extending the partially automated driving functions to urban areas, we will offer our customers a real improvement in driving comfort – with a confident driver assistance in the true style of BMW. The system will support them in a simple way along the route of navigation, from motorways to cities, to rural roads. And with BMW Symbiotic Drive, our customers can have their own driving movements at any time, faithful to the “Pure Pleasure of Driving” spirit.

Face Tesla?

With this technology, BMW can cope with Tesla's supervised Full-Self Driving (FSD) system. This has started to be approved in some European countries since April, but there is still no widespread approval at European Union level.

Although automated driving systems are gaining popularity, The Verge recalls that most of these are less safe compared to human driving, since those who are driving have a tendency to rely too much on technology. Then reaction times are slower than they should when they need to get back in control.