BMW TO EXPAND URBAN DRIVER ASSISTANCE FUNCTIONS FROM 2027.
Partially automated driving (SAE Level 2) with navigation-guided functions in cities starting next year in Germany.
From 2027, BMW’s new navigation-guided driver assistance functions will provide support seamlessly from the motorway, through the countryside and into the city.
Tests required for type approval based on the DCAS Series 2 have been successfully completed in real-world traffic by an independent technical service.
With active route guidance, new functions featuring BMW Symbiotic Drive can support turning and right-of-way situations, urban lane changes and navigating roundabouts.
Broad availability in the BMW iX3, iX4, all models in the 3 Series, 7 Series and X5 range, as well as many subsequent models.
Necessary hardware is fitted as standard. Functions will be delivered via software updates.
Launch in Germany. Further countries to follow.
Munich. From 2027, BMW plans to introduce navigation-guided, partially automated driving in cities, starting in Germany. With active route guidance using BMW Maps, the system can assist the driver with turning manoeuvres, urban lane changes, right-of-way situations and navigating roundabouts. Automated stopping and starting at traffic lights is already possible today with the City Assistant, for example in Germany. These SAE Level 2 functions are only available during the drive, when the system detects that the driver remains attentive. The roll-out is set to begin in Germany in 2027, with other countries following gradually. With the BMW Motorway and City Assistant, navigation-guided, partially automated driving will thus be possible for the first time seamlessly from the motorway, through the countryside and into the city.
The necessary technical equipment is fitted as standard in the new BMW iX3 and BMW iX4 models, as well as in all model variants of the BMW X5, 3 Series and 7 Series. This allows customers to activate all available assistance functions even after purchasing the vehicle. The required software is installed over the air.
By extending partially automated driving functions to urban areas, we will offer our customers a real improvement in driving comfort – with confident driver assistance in true BMW style. The system will support them seamlessly along the navigation route, from motorways through country roads and into the city. And with BMW Symbiotic Drive, our customers can make their own driving inputs at any time – true to the spirit of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’.
Important milestone reached for type approval.
The new driver assistance systems will be type-approved in accordance with the regulations of the updated UNECE R171 (DCAS Series 2). The necessary tests in real-world traffic have already been successfully completed by an independent technical service. This means that the technical requirements for the system’s approval have been met, subject to official confirmation in early 2027.
Cooperative driver assistance with BMW Symbiotic Drive.
BMW Symbiotic Drive will also ensure a seamless and intuitive interaction between the driver and the assistance system when using the new functions in urban driving scenarios. When driver assistance is active, the driver can work with the system by accelerating, steering and braking in line with their personal driving style. This cooperative interaction is a central component of the new BMW Level 2 driver assistance systems. The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions such as Lane Keeping Assist. The driver’s intention is detected based on steering behaviour and gaze direction, so that the system only provides assistance in the form of a warning and steering intervention if the driver is actually unintentionally drifting out of their own lane or if the system detects an imminent collision.
BMW Panoramic iDrive supports the safe use of the partially automated driving functions through intuitive controls and clearly presented information. When driver assistance is active, situation-specific information is displayed directly in the driver’s field of vision in the BMW Panoramic Vision, giving the driver a clear understanding of the status of the assistance systems. The new ‘BMW Maps with Driver Assistance’ navigation view on the central display also aids orientation in complex traffic situations and makes assisted and partially automated driving even easier to follow. The function combines route guidance, the vehicle’s surroundings and driver assistance information in a single 3D view on the central display. It shows the next navigation step, how the vehicle perceives its surroundings and which assistance functions are supporting the driving task.
The BMW Group has filed several patent applications in connection with the development of the new urban driver assistance functions.
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