Level 3 autonomous driving available in BMW 7 Series in 2024

This feature, which takes charge of the car's speed, distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane positioning, will be available for order in the new BMW 7 Series (except the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive) from December, with installation in vehicles starting next March.

Designed to fully handle driving tasks under Level 3 conditions as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), this advanced function will be available exclusively in Germany at a price of €6,000 (including VAT).

This technology enables drivers to focus on other activities within the vehicle when travelling at speeds of up to 37mph on motorways with separate carriageways. Its advanced sensors even allow usage in the dark, a first for such systems.

The BMW Group is set to become the first car manufacturer to offer both an advanced Level 2 driving function, where hands can be off the steering wheel, and a Level 3 system in its BMW 7 Series models. The BMW Highway Assistant in the new BMW 5 Series models provides an SAE Level 2 partially automated driving function, including the unique Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation, ideal for long-distance journeys, controlling the car's speed, distance to the front vehicle, and steering at speeds of up to 81mph.

The key distinction between Level 2 and Level 3 is the driver's continuous responsibility in Level 2, requiring constant road attention and readiness to resume driving. This is monitored by an intelligent attentiveness camera.

The BMW Personal Pilot L3 in the BMW 7 Series offers drivers the option to concentrate on secondary activities inside the vehicle, such as editing emails or engaging in phone calls, while travelling at speeds up to 37mph. It also supports digital services like video streaming on the central display. Symbols on the display indicate the availability of the BMW Personal Pilot L3, activated and deactivated via a steering wheel button. However, drivers must be ready to resume driving when required, signalled by visual and acoustic alerts.

The system uses a live HD map, precise GPS, and 360° sensors for exact positioning and environmental monitoring. It remains current with regular updates, supported technologically by new software, a powerful computing platform, and a 5G connection to the BMW Cloud. The BMW Personal Pilot L3-equipped vehicles also feature the latest ultrasonic and radar sensors, and a highly sensitive 3D lidar sensor.

This comprehensive technological suite ensures reliable functioning of the BMW Personal Pilot L3, even in the dark, surpassing rival systems. SAE Level 3 automated driving enhances both comfort and safety on public roads.

*The BMW Personal Pilot L3 requires BMW Connected Drive services, valid for two years.