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BMW Drives into Urban Autonomy by 2027
3 Nov
Summary
- BMW will launch urban autonomous driving features in 2027.
- The system assists with steering, speed, and lane changes in cities.
- Drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control.
BMW is set to expand its navigation-guided driving assistance into urban settings, with a planned launch in 2027, beginning in Germany. This advanced system will utilize built-in GPS to help with steering and speed control on both highways and city streets.
In urban environments, the feature will aid in lane changes, turns, yielding, and roundabouts. Despite these capabilities, it remains a Level 2 system, mandating driver attentiveness and readiness to take over. Unlike highway driving where hands-off operation may be permitted, drivers will need to keep hands on the wheel on local roads.
The system integrates with existing cameras and sensors in models like the 3 Series and iX. It operates cooperatively, allowing drivers to adjust control without deactivating the system. Information is displayed via a heads-up display and a 3D map on the dashboard.
This move aligns with new European safety regulations and follows extensive testing. However, safety researchers express concerns about driver overreliance on such systems, noting that reaction times can be slower. BMW, like Tesla, emphasizes that drivers retain responsibility for the vehicle's operation.
