The German Autobahn is famous for the high speeds that drivers can achieve on it, so it’s only fitting that BMW‘s advanced driver assistance system, Autobahn Assistant, has become the first system of its kind to be approved in Germany for speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph) on this particular roadway.
BMW made the announcement today that it received approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority to utilize its Level 2, partially automated system, at such elevated speeds in Germany.
Already available in the U.S. and Canada, Autobahn Assistant allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods of time. However, unlike Mercedes’ Drive Pilot, which is a Level 3 autonomous system, the driver cannot take their eyes off the road and must always be ready to take over driving duties.
Read: Mercedes Becomes First Brand To Offer Level 3 Autonomous Driving In USA
On the other hand, Drive Pilot is only available at up to 40 mph (64 km/h), though Mercedes does offer Level 2 systems that are available at higher speeds. BMW’s Autobahn Assistant is currently the fastest Level 2 system in Germany, and the automaker positions it as a way to improve driver comfort on long-distance drives.
In Germany, BMW’s ADAS system is being introduced on the i5 and 5-Series Sedan, but it is already available on the 7-Series in North America. It will combine with BMW’s active lane change assistant—which can automatically change lanes at speeds of up to 112 mph (180 km/h)—to deliver a largely automated experience to buyers of the new sedan.
BMW says that it will ensure the safety of other motorists by monitoring the driver of the 5-Series at all times to ensure that they are still focused on the road. The vehicle also uses cameras, ultrasonic and radar sensors, as well as HD mapping to keep an eye on its surroundings.
Correction: A previous version of this article’s headline inaccurately compared the speed approval of BMW’s Level 2 system with Mercedes’ Level 3 ADAS capabilities in Germany. We regret any confusion caused.
