Beyond the introduction of the new i5 xDrive40 and plug-in hybrid 550e xDrive in North America this spring, which you can read more about here, BMW‘s product updates for 2024 involve the integration of new advanced driver assistance systems and fresh tech features for the infotainment system.
Give Highway Assistant The Side Eye
Starting with the former, BMW’s Highway Assistant system, which is part of the Driving Assistance Professional Package enabling attentive hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph where conditions and speed limits allow, will be getting an update. Thanks to the addition of Active Lane Change with eye activation, BMW owners will be able to initiate a lane change just by looking at a mirror (well, sort of).
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BMW describes this as a “first-of-its-kind” system that suggests a lane change to the driver. Once they receive the prompt, all a driver has to do is look at the corresponding side mirror to activate the lane change, meaning that the driver no longer has to initiate the move with the signal stalk.
“With Active Lane Change with eye activation, the vehicle suggests a lane change, and the driver can confirm the lane change simply by looking in the corresponding outside rearview mirror. The Active Lane Change performs the necessary steering movements automatically. It is no longer necessary to confirm the lane change with the turn signal. This seamless interaction between the driver and the Active Lane Change provides a level of comfort and safety unique in the automotive sector.”
The new Active Lane Change with eye activation technology will be introduced in the new 5-Series and added to the iX in March. It will then be rolled out to the X5, X6 (excluding the M Competition models), and X7 in April.
Siri, Tell The Reader About The Updates To The My BMW App
… Okay, then I’ll have to do it myself. BMW plans to improve the integration of Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, into its vehicles. Available to owners whose vehicles have BMW Operating System 9, drivers will be able to command Siri simply by addressing it. No longer will they need to press a button to wake the third-party voice control system.
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In addition, BMW’s navigation app has now been improved to offer more up-to-date information about charging stations. The automaker will rate plugs to let you know which ones to choose.
Finally, the My BMW App is also being improved this spring to add Comfort Access with BMW Digital Key Plus. The company redesigned the map view to better allow owners to select and import navigation destinations, which has the side benefit of also improving the search function. The app will also keep track of owners’ driving behavior to suggest which electric BMW is best-suited to them, which it says is “intended to help spark interest among users of combustion-engined vehicles in switching to an electric model.”
