Hey there, gearheads! Guess what? BMW just dropped some big news, and it’s got car enthusiasts everywhere revving with excitement. The German car giant spilled the beans that their upcoming 7 Series, hitting the streets in March 2024, will boast a seriously souped-up autonomous driving feature.
Starting this December, you can slap in your order to get your hands on this high-tech wizardry. The catch? Initially, it’s only cruising into Germany, but fear not, BMW’s got plans to spread the joy to more markets, provided the legal road is smooth.
So, what’s the fuss about? Well, it’s called the BMW Personal Pilot L3, and they claim it’s a “first of its kind.” Translation: it lets drivers kick back and focus on other stuff while the car handles the driving. Imagine checking your emails or diving deep into a phone call while your ride takes care of business.
Now, hold your horses. Isn’t Mercedes-Benz rocking an autonomous system too? Yup, they’ve got the Drive Pilot, but BMW argues their Personal Pilot L3 is a big deal because it covers both SAE Level 2 (in the new 5 Series) and this groundbreaking Level 3. Levels, you ask? It’s like a scale from zero to “car’s got it all covered.” BMW’s new system hits Level 3, where you can go hands-off and eyes-off.
But, let’s clear the air. Tesla might talk big about its Autopilot, but it’s still cruising at Level 2. Translation: Tesla drivers need to keep their eyes glued to the road and hands on the wheel.
So, what’s the deal with BMW’s Level 3 autonomy? It’s a green light for digital multitasking. You can juggle emails, have a marathon phone chat, and here’s the kicker – stream videos from different providers. Movie time on the move, anyone?
But, and there’s always a “but,” BMW is careful not to paint a picture of total relaxation. You’ve got to be ready to take the reins when things get dicey. The system will give you a heads up with visual and audio cues. Because, let’s face it, every road trip has its limits.
Now, let’s talk rules. Personal Pilot L3 has its own set. It kicks in when traffic is below 60 km/h (37 mph), and it’s exclusive to highways with separated lanes. Can’t remember all that? No worries, BMW’s got it sorted with a high-tech mapping system using GPS, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and 3D lidar to keep you on track.
Ready to upgrade your ride? The Personal Pilot L3 is up for grabs at €6,000 (around $6,423 / £5,236). Just one tiny hiccup – BMW’s playing it cool on when this tech marvel will hit the roads outside Germany. So, buckle up and stay tuned for the next pit stop in the autonomous driving revolution!
