- BMW‘s two most advanced driver assistance systems are now offered in the 7-Series.
- Personal Pilot L3 allows drivers to make calls, text, and stream videos while the car drives itself.
- The two systems can only be combined in Germany, for now.
While many think that Tesla is leading the way when it comes to semi-autonomous driving assistance systems, its Full-Self Driving (FSD) system is only classified as a Level 2 system. BMW has one-upped Tesla to become the first automaker to receive approval for a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 systems in the same vehicle.
Get your popcorn ready, the time has come to sit back, watch movies, and get your car to drive for you.
Read: BMW’s 7-Series Finally Gets L3 Autonomy, Even Works In The Dark
BMW, as well as arch-rival Mercedes-Benz, already offer Level 3 systems in some markets, but in the new 7-Series, the carmaker’s two most advanced systems have been incorporated simultaneously. Its Level 2 system is known as BMW Highway Assistant and permits drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel for long periods, as long as they remain attentive.
This system can work at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h) in motorways with barriers. The most impressive part of BMW Highway Assistant is the automatic lane change function which will autonomously make lane changes depending on the traffic situation. To confirm a lane change, all the driver has to do is look in one of the wing mirrors.
In Germany, this system can now operate alongside the BMW Personal Pilot L3 system. It allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and their attention away from the road, at speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h). Owners can make phone calls, text, and even stream videos when this mode is used, but they need to be able to regain control of the car within a few seconds.
Speaking with Auto News, a BMW spokesman said the company had to create a new user interface to ensure drivers know the differences between the Level 2 and Level 3 systems.
Newly-ordered BMW 7-Series models can be equipped with BMW Highway Assistant and BMW Personal Pilot L3 for €6,000 (~$6,400). Owners of new 7-Series models that have already taken delivery of their vehicles with the Level 3 system will receive BMW Highway Assistant for free from August. BMW’s most advanced Level 3 system is only available in Germany.
