Level 3 automated driving available in the new BMW 7 Series (Video)

Highly automated Level 3 driving, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and temporarily divert their attention from the road, will soon be available in the new BMW 7 Series. Called BMW Staff Pilot L 3, the new function reduces the driver's workload behind the wheel in certain situations and controls the car's speed, distance from the vehicle ahead and lane position on his or her behalf. This new option will be available on request for the new BMW Series 7 (except i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive)* from December, with installation in vehicles from next March.

Designed to take on fully perform the driving tasks with Level 3 automated driving skills as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE ), the operation will be offered exclusively in Germany at a price of EUR 6,000 (including VAT).

The innovative technology allows drivers to redirect their attention to other in-vehicle activities when travelling at speeds of up to 60 km/h on motorways with divided lanes. Thanks to its highly sophisticated sensors, it is the first system of its kind that can also be used in the dark.

The introduction of Level 3 automated driving in the BMW 7 Series models will make the BMW 7 Series the BMW Group the first car manufacturer to offer not only a Level 2 driving mode in its product portfolio, but also a Level 3 mode, where the driver can take his hands off the wheel and travel more relaxed. The BMW Highway Assistant already offers a highly innovative partially automated driving function SAE Level 2 on all new 5 Series models in the 5 Series BMW.

The package also includes the function Active Lane Change Assistant with confirmation through eye movement. This is designed primarily for use on long distance travel with the new BMW Series 5, allowing the driver to adopt a relaxed posture behind the wheel. At speeds of up to 130 km/h, this additional Steering & Lane Control Assistant function can take control of the car's speed and steering, as well as the distance to the vehicle ahead.

The telling difference between Level 2 and Level 3 is that in Level 2 (partially automated driving) the driver is still in charge at all times. Whenever the BMW Highway Assistant, drivers must monitor what is happening on the road and be able to take back control at any time. An intelligent camera constantly monitors the level of attention.

On the other hand, the BMW Staff Pilot L 3 which enables highly automated Level 3 driving in the BMW 7 Series, enables drivers to concentrate on the most important things in life. secondary in-vehicle activities, without watching what happens on the street. In a BMW 7 Series with BMW Personal Pilot L3 activated, customers will, for example, be able to edited by e - emails or talking on the phone while travelling at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

They can also make use of digital services, such as video streaming from various providers on the main screen during a journey. This makes the new BMW Personal Pilot L3 the ideal solution for making the most of time in slow traffic or in traffic jams during daily motorway journeys.

Depending on the situation, symbols appear on the display behind the steering wheel to indicate whether the BMW Staff Pilot L 3 which can be activated and deactivated by a button on the steering wheel. When the function is in use, the driver must be ready to take control of the driving again at any time - i.e. as soon as the road situation requires it or when the section of road suitable for BMW Personal Pilot L3 use is over. Visual and audible signals inform the driver that he or she needs to take control again. If the driver fails to respond accordingly, the vehicle is brought to a controlled standstill.

A high-resolution map with precise routes is updated in real time based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and works with 360° sensors to ensure accurate positioning and monitoring of the area around the vehicle. The map is always up-to-date thanks to regular updates. In the new BMW 7 Series, this function is technologically supported by a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a 5G connection to the BMW Cloud. In addition to the cameras, vehicles ordered with BMW Personal Pilot L3 are also equipped with the latest generation of ultrasonic and radar sensors and a extremely sensitive 3 D Sensor lidar to monitor the area around the vehicle and the situation on the road.

With such a package of technologies, the BMW Staff Pilot L 3 works very reliably even in the dark, and is superior to competitor systems. SAE Level 3 automated driving helps improve comfort and safety on public roads.