For the first time, the BMW 7 Series will be able to drive in full, including in the dark. The new feature will allow drives to pay attention to other activities on board.
Level 3 highly automated driving allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. If their cars are equipped with what BMW calls the Personal Pilot L3, drivers can also temporarily direct their attention to other activities. The system takes over the driving task in certain situations. It is able to control the speed of the car, the distance to the vehicle ahead, and lane positioning.
The function will only be available in Germany for the moment. Customers can order the new Personal Pilot L3 from December for their BMW 7 Series, except the i7 eDrive50 and i70 M70 xDrive. The function will be fitted in vehicles from next March with a price of 6,000 euros (including VAT), which translates into $6,410.
The personal Pilot L3 can operate at speeds of up to 37 mph (60 kph) and is the first of its kind that can operate in the dark. Therefore, cars equipped with the system can drive on motorways with structurally separated carriageways.
BMW also offers SAE Level 2 automated driving with the BMW Highway Assistant, available in all new BMW 5 Series models. The package includes a unique feature, the Active Lane Change Assistant, based on eye confirmation. When driving at speeds of up to 81 mph (130 kph), the Highway Assistant can take control over the speed, steering, and distance to the car up front.
Photo: BMW
Level 2 and Level 3 automated driving may seem the same, but they are not. While Level 2 requires the driver to continuously pay attention to the road, Level 3 allows them to take their eyes off the road and perform other activities on board while on the move.
They can write emails, for instance, pay attention to phone calls or texting, or stream videos on the central display during the trip. The driver must only press a button on the steering wheel when they want to engage the BMW Personal Pilot L3.
Symbols will appear on the instrument cluster and indicate whether the system can or can't operate in the area. In case the driver must take over, the system sends visual and acoustic signals. If the driver does not react, the vehicle will safely be brought to a standstill.
For Level 2, the driver must always be ready to take over driving at all times. The driver’s attention is permanently monitored by a smart attentiveness camera.
The Personal Pilot relies on the live HD map, which updates constantly and 360-degree ensures. It also integrates a 3D LiDAR sensor and the latest generation ultrasonic sensors and radar sensors, plus cameras and a 5G link-up to the BMW Cloud.
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