Also for electric vehicles: BMW will expand urban driver assistance features starting in 2027
Image: BMW
BMW plans to introduce new navigation-guided driver assistance features for urban driving in Germany starting in 2027. These semi-automatic systems, rated at SAE Level 2, are designed to assist drivers with turning maneuvers, urban lane changes, overtaking situations, and navigating roundabouts. Active use of BMW Maps along with a vigilant driver at the wheel is required. Together with the BMW Autobahn and City Assistant, this will enable comprehensive navigation-guided driver assistance for the first time, from highways and country roads to urban areas.
The required certification tests in real traffic have already been successfully completed by an independent technical service. The basis for approval is the updated UNECE regulation R171 (DCAS Series 2), though the official confirmation from the authorities is still pending as of early 2027. Introduction is set to begin in Germany next year, with gradual expansion to other countries following.
The necessary hardware is standard equipment in the electric vehicles iX3, iX4, and all model variants of the X5, 3 Series, and 7 Series, with the latter two also available as all-electric versions. Customers can enable the available assistance functions even after purchasing the vehicle, with the software being installed wirelessly via over-the-air updates. With BMW Symbiotic Drive, drivers can still intervene in driving by steering, braking, or accelerating even when assistance is active, and adjust the support to suit their personal driving style.
The operation is carried out, among other things, via the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which displays information on the current status of the assistance systems. The new navigation view “BMW Maps with Driver Assistance” combines route guidance, vehicle surroundings, and assistance information in a single 3D display on the central screen. Additionally, the system takes into account the driver’s gaze direction and steering behavior with the lane-keeping assistant to detect unintentional lane departure or impending collisions. As part of the development of the new urban assistance functions, the BMW Group has filed several patent applications.
"By extending partially automated driving functions to urban areas, we offer our customers genuine comfort improvements: sophisticated driver assistance in the BMW style that seamlessly follows the navigation route from highways and country roads all the way into the city. With BMW Symbiotic Drive, our customers can always shape assisted driving in a cooperative manner—true to the joy of driving," said Joachim Post, member of the BMW AG Board of Management, Development.
Have you found any errors? Please let us know
by email
about them. Thank you!
Also interesting
About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.
Reader interactions