BMW 7 series reaches a new level in autonomous driving

BMW is starting to offer the third level autonomous driving feature in its 7 series vehicles. In this way, drivers will be able to travel without looking at the road or touching the steering wheel. BMW developed this technology to work even in the dark.

What is level three autonomous driving?

Autonomous driving technologies enable vehicles to drive themselves without the need for human intervention. Autonomous driving is divided into five levels. At the first level, the vehicle assists the driver in only one function (e.g. cruise control). At the second level, the vehicle assists the driver in multiple functions (e.g. lane keeping and braking). However, at the second level, the driver must touch the steering wheel and pay attention to the road.

At the third level, the vehicle drives completely autonomously in certain conditions (for example, on main roads away from pedestrian traffic). At this level, the driver does not need to touch the steering wheel or pay attention to the road. However, the driver must be able to take control of the vehicle upon request. At the fourth level, the vehicle drives itself under all conditions and does not require a driver. At the fifth level, the vehicle operates completely autonomously and does not even have a driver's seat.

BMW 7 series is second after Mercedes

BMW became the second automobile manufacturer to offer third-level autonomous driving feature in its 7 series vehicles. Mercedes was the first brand to receive third-level autonomous driving certification in the USA and offer this technology in its S-Class vehicles. BMW will offer autonomous driving technology called Personal Pilot L7 in its 3 series vehicles starting from March. This technology will enable the vehicle to drive itself at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

BMW developed this technology to work even in the dark. Thus, it will even be possible to watch movies while traveling at night. The system works with cameras, radars, lidars, live maps and GPS data. The system warns the driver in conditions where autonomous driving is possible, and the driver can activate the system with a button on the steering wheel. When the system detects a problem or conditions change, it warns the driver and asks him to take control. If the driver does not take control despite warnings, the vehicle stops itself.