German consumers now have the option to purchase BMW’s Level 2 and Level 3 systems for €6,000

BMW has recently made waves in the automotive industry by introducing its most advanced driver assistance systems in the 7-Series. While Tesla is often praised for its semi-autonomous driving features, BMW has taken a significant step forward by combining Level 2 and Level 3 systems in the same vehicle, a first for any automaker.

The Level 2 system, known as BMW Highway Assistant, allows drivers to temporarily take their hands off the steering wheel on highways with barriers, with speeds reaching up to 81 mph (130 km/h). One of the standout features of this system is the automatic lane change function, which autonomously changes lanes based on the traffic situation, requiring only a glance in the wing mirror from the driver to confirm the change.

In a groundbreaking move, BMW has introduced the Personal Pilot L3 system in Germany, which complements the Highway Assistant. This Level 3 system permits drivers to relinquish control of the steering wheel and divert their attention from the road at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). While in this mode, drivers can make phone calls, send texts, and even stream videos, as long as they can quickly regain control of the vehicle when necessary.

BMW has gone the extra mile to ensure driver safety and understanding of these advanced systems. A BMW spokesperson mentioned the development of a new user interface to clearly differentiate between the Level 2 and Level 3 functionalities, emphasizing the importance of driver awareness and responsibility.

For those interested in experiencing these cutting-edge technologies, new BMW 7-Series models can be equipped with both the Highway Assistant and Personal Pilot L3 systems for an additional cost. Customers who have already received their 7-Series with the Level 3 system will receive the Highway Assistant feature at no extra charge starting in August. It’s worth noting that the Level 3 system is currently exclusive to Germany.

This innovative integration of Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance systems in the BMW 7-Series marks a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous driving technology. With BMW leading the way in combining advanced features for enhanced driving convenience and safety, the future of autonomous vehicles is looking brighter than ever.