BMW has received the green light to integrate its latest autonomous driving system into the new BMW 7 Series, marking a significant advancement in the realm of automated mobility. This innovative system combines the carmaker's existing highway assistant (level 2) with its personal pilot (level 3) autonomous capabilities, setting a new benchmark for self-driving technology.
Exclusively launching in Germany initially, the BMW 7 Series leverages level 2 functionality, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, provided they remain attentive to the road. This feature is limited to lanes that are physically separated from oncoming traffic, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Building on this, the level 3 system enables drivers to temporarily divert their attention from the road, facilitating secondary activities such as making phone calls, reading, or working while traveling at speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour, particularly useful during traffic jams. This dual-level integration places BMW at the forefront of autonomous driving technology, following in the footsteps of competitors like Mercedes-Benz.
Germany has been a pioneer in autonomous driving, being the first country to establish a legal framework for the nationwide introduction of self-driving cars back in 2021. In April 2024, Germany further bolstered its position by signing a declaration of intent with the Chinese mainland, focusing on dialogue and cooperation in the fields of automated and connected driving.
German Transport Minister Volker Wissing emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, stating that it embodies the hope for safer and more efficient mobility in the future. With the new BMW 7 Series, BMW is eager to transition autonomous driving from the laboratory to the open roads, underscoring a pivotal moment in automotive innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
