The subject of autonomous driving on open roads, whereby the driver can go hands-free while engaging in another activity, is somewhat contentious and it leaves some motorists wondering about safety. Nevertheless, car makers are pushing this technology forward and we can expect some new pronouncements in the New Year. For example, at the BMW headquarters, it has been announced that Level 3 automotive autonomy will appear in the prestigious new 7 Series, pictured here.
What Is Level 3?
The Level 3 highly automated driving system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and temporarily divert their attention away from the road. By Spring 2024 this technology will be available in the latest and greatest BMW 7 Series which we featured earlier this year, here.
It’s called the BMW ‘Personal Pilot L3’ a new optional function that relieves the person at the wheel of the task of driving in certain situations all the while controlling the car’s speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and lane positioning automatically. This new option can be ordered for the new 7 Series (excluding the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive) from December to be fitted in vehicles from March 2024.
Designed to assume the entire task of driving with Level 3 capability as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), this highly automated driving function will be offered exclusively in Germany at first, to follow elsewhere later in the year.
This innovative technology allows drivers to redirect their focus to other in-vehicle activities when travelling at up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. Thanks to its particularly sophisticated sensors, this is the first system of its kind that can also be used in the dark.
The Difference Between Level 2 and Level 3
The introduction of Level 3 functionality in BMW 7 Series models will make the BMW Group the first carmaker to offer both an advanced Level 2 driving function in its product portfolio where the hands can be taken off the steering wheel and positioned comfortably and an even more automated Level 3 system.
The BMW ‘Highway Assistant’ already offers a highly innovative SAE Level 2 partially automated driving function in all new BMW 5 Series models. The package also includes a unique feature in the form of the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation. This function is primarily designed for use over long-distance journeys currently in the BMW 5 Series, allowing the driver to adopt an extremely relaxed posture behind the steering wheel. When travelling at up to 130 km/h (81 mph), this additional function of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant can take control over the car’s speed, the distance to the vehicle in front and the car’s steering.
The crucial difference between Level 2 and Level 3 is that with Level 2 (partially automated driving) responsibility continues to lie with the driver at all times. Whenever the BMW ‘Highway Assistant’ is in use, drivers must watch what is happening on the road and be able to take over the task of driving again at all times. This is continuously monitored using an intelligent attentiveness camera.
The BMW ‘Personal Pilot L3’ for Level 3 highly automated driving in the BMW 7 Series gives drivers the option of concentrating on secondary in-vehicle activities away from what is happening on the road. In a 7 Series with the Personal Pilot L3 activated, customers will be able to edit e-mails, for example, or engage more deeply in telephone calls while travelling at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). They can also use digital services like streaming videos from various providers on the central display during a journey. This makes the ‘Personal Pilot L3’ the ideal solution for making good use of time spent in slow-moving traffic or tailbacks during daily motorway commutes.
Symbols appear on the display behind the steering wheel as appropriate to indicate whether the Personal Pilot is available. It is activated and deactivated by a button on the steering wheel. When the function is being used, the customer still has to be ready to reassume the task of driving at any time – i.e. as soon as the situation on the road requires them to or the stretch of road suitable for using this new technology comes to an end. Visual and acoustic signals let the driver know they have to take over control once more. If the driver does not respond as required, the vehicle is brought to a controlled standstill.
Live Mapping
The live HD map with precise routes is permanently aligned with extremely accurate GPS location-finding and works with 360° sensors to ensure exact positioning and monitoring of the area around the vehicle. The live HD map is always up to the minute thanks to regular updates. In the BMW 7 Series for example, this functionality is underpinned technologically by a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a 5G link-up to the BMW Cloud.
Besides the cameras, vehicles specified with the BMW Personal Pilot L3 are also fitted with latest-generation ultrasonic sensors and radar sensors and a highly sensitive 3D lidar sensor for monitoring the area around the vehicle and the situation on the road. In Germany, this option is likely to cost around €6000. It remains to be seen what other markets will charge and this too will depend on the road infrastructure in whichever global location.
This package of technology means that the ‘Personal Pilot L3’ works very reliably even in the dark. These various qualities are unmatched by any rival at the time of writing. SAE Level 3 automated driving helps improve both comfort and safety on public roads but it remains to be seen if motorists will willingly adapt to it. Perhaps it will suit drivers who spend many hours on long distance travel.
Anyway, that’s for next year; right now the ‘standard’ BMW 7 Series can be exported from the UK to global destinations like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, and the Caribbean via the comprehensive VAT-free service offered by us here at MHH International. Get in touch to find out how we can help source your next car for 2024.
