Munich. The new BMW 7 Series will soon feature Level 3 highly automated driving, allowing drivers to momentarily take their hands off the steering wheel and focus on other tasks. The new function, named BMW Personal Pilot L3, takes control of the car’s speed, distance to the vehicle ahead, and lane positioning in certain situations. This option will be available for ordering in December and fitted in vehicles starting from March, excluding the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive models.*
The highly automated driving function is designed to handle the entire driving task with Level 3 capability as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It will be offered exclusively in Germany for a price of 6,000 euros (incl. VAT).
This innovative technology allows drivers to shift their attention to other in-vehicle activities when traveling at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. This system’s sophisticated sensors enable its use even in low light conditions, making it the first of its kind.
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 a Level 3 system. The BMW Highway Assistant in the new BMW 5 Series models offers a highly innovative SAE Level 2 partially automated driving function, including the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation for long-distance journeys. This function allows the driver to take a relaxed posture behind the wheel while the car manages speed, distance, and steering at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph).
With Level 2 (partially automated driving), the driver is still responsible for the task of driving, whereas with Level 3, drivers can focus on secondary in-vehicle activities while the BMW Personal Pilot L3 controls the driving task. In a BMW 7 Series with the BMW Personal Pilot L3 activated, customers will be able to edit e-mails, engage in telephone calls, and use digital services such as streaming videos from various providers on the central display. This makes the new BMW Personal Pilot L3 ideal for making use of time spent in slow-moving traffic or tailbacks during daily motorway commutes.
Visual and acoustic signals indicate the availability of the BMW Personal Pilot L3 and it can be activated and deactivated by a button on the steering wheel. The system requires the driver to be ready to reassume control at any time, indicated by signals. Failure to respond appropriately will result in the vehicle coming to a controlled stop.
The technology behind the BMW Personal Pilot L3 includes a live HD map, precise routes, 360° sensors for monitoring the area around the vehicle, regular updates, a new software stack, a powerful computing platform, and a 5G link-up to the BMW Cloud. The vehicles are equipped with latest-generation ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, and a highly sensitive 3D lidar sensor, enabling reliable operation even in low light conditions. The qualities of the SAE Level 3 automated driving system are unmatched by any rival, enhancing comfort and safety on public roads.
*The BMW Personal Pilot L3 is only available with the relevant BMW Connected Drive services, valid for two years.
BMW i7 M70 xDrive:
Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 23.8 – 20.8 WLTP.
BMW i7 eDrive50:
Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 20.3 – 19.1 WLTP.