BMW 7 Series Achieves Level 3 Autonomous Driving Approval for Traffic Jams at 60 km/h
The BMW 7 Series has reached a significant milestone by obtaining approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority for level 3 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 60 km/h on motorways. This breakthrough primarily applies to situations involving traffic jams and slow-moving traffic, allowing the vehicle to assume responsibility and achieve a new level of autonomy.
In traffic jam situations, the driver is permitted to engage in activities such as checking their smartphone, reading messages, responding to emails, or even reading a newspaper. As long as the vehicle remains below the 60 km/h threshold or issues a warning prompting driver intervention, the driver’s active involvement or undivided attention is not required. The level 3 autonomous driving system in the BMW 7 Series was recently tested in Sokolov, Czech Republic.
Nicolai Martin, VP of Driving Experience, has confirmed that the necessary approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, known as KBA, has been granted. This paves the way for the level 3 autonomous driving system to enter mass production by the end of 2023. According to Martin, level 3 autonomy also means that liability in the event of an accident shifts to the vehicle itself, with BMW assuming responsibility for any damages. Currently, a similar system is only available from Mercedes-Benz, offering a comparable traffic jam pilot at level 3 autonomy.
To ensure the highest level of safety, expensive lidar sensors are required as part of the system, which leads to a higher price tag for the necessary special equipment. It should be noted that the current speed limit of 60 km/h is an interim step, with plans to enable these autonomous systems to operate at higher speeds in the future.
It is expected that in a few years, level 3 autonomy will be available at speeds up to 130 km/h. However, it should be noted that a 60 km/h cruise on the Autobahn, the German highway system, is not feasible. When asked about expanding level 3 autonomy to other markets like the US, Martin stated that there is no pressure to roll out level 3 to all regions quickly. This is because BMW already offers a highly attractive and convenient highway system.
Currently, BMW offers level 2+ support for higher speeds, up to 130 km/h, where the driver retains responsibility. This system is being introduced in the new BMW 5 Series and i5. The technology, which allows for lane changes triggered by looking into the side mirrors, is initially exclusive to the 5 Series but is expected to expand to the 7 Series and other BMW models soon.
BMW’s goal is to create a seamless transition between self-driving and automated driving. One of the key challenges is transferring responsibility between humans and machines. Similar to conventional driver assistance features, such as parking assistance, the car actively offers the traffic jam pilot when appropriate conditions are met. The steering wheel retracts, and the car takes control.
When the system is ready to hand back control to the driver, warning signals are issued, the steering wheel illuminates, and it moves forward once more. The system provides the driver with a ten-second window to regain control, allowing them enough time to disengage from any distractions and focus on the road again.
According to Martin, BMW is also exploring level 4 autonomy, or at least level 3+, for the foreseeable future. Level 4 autonomy on the highway offers exciting prospects as it is designed to handle specific and challenging situations, such as sudden construction zones with narrower lanes, emergencies, or even pop-up concerts. While level 3 systems are more straightforward, level 4 promises to tackle these scenarios with ease.
In conclusion, BMW’s achievement with level 3 autonomous driving approval for the 7 Series in traffic jams at 60 km/h marks a significant breakthrough in autonomous vehicle technology. With plans to enter mass production before the end of 2023, BMW is at the forefront of developing advanced driving assistance systems that provide increased autonomy and safety on the roads. As technology continues to evolve, the future looks promising for even higher levels of autonomy and enhanced driving experiences.
