Level 2 autonomy in cities too: BMW announces assist system upgrade
Starting in 2027, BMW plans to expand its Level 2 driver assistance system to urban driving conditions. For the first time, it will also be able to provide autonomous support while turning, in roundabouts, and in situations requiring right-of-way. The driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene at any time. No prices have been announced yet for these new features.
Image: BMW
BMW will soon bring SAE Level 2 partial automation to urban areas as well. Starting in 2027, the Munich-based automaker will introduce new navigation-guided assistance functions that can cover the entire range from highways and country roads to city centers. The rollout will begin in Germany first, with other countries following gradually.
This expansion is made possible by the integration of the system with BMW Maps’ routing capabilities. While the City Assistant already automatically stops at traffic lights and resumes driving, starting in 2027 it will handle significantly more complex maneuvers in urban traffic. With active destination guidance, the vehicle will autonomously position itself on multi-lane roads, make turns, and navigate through roundabouts. The sensors will also detect and process situations involving right-of-way.
The legal requirement for Level-2 systems remains in effect. The assistance function operates only as long as a camera inside the vehicle detects a vigilant driver at the wheel. This is based on the UN Regulation No. 171 (DCAS Series 02), which is valid across Europe. Starting in 2027, these regulations allow assistance systems to independently suggest and initiate driving maneuvers even in urban traffic for the first time. An independent technical service has already successfully completed the required tests in real road conditions. Official regulatory approval is expected by early 2027.
Driver and assistant can act simultaneously
To facilitate seamless operation while driving, the system uses a feature called Symbiotic Drive. This prevents automatic driving from stopping abruptly when the driver takes active control, accelerates, or brakes. Instead, the system smoothly adapts to the driver’s own style of driving. Even during emergency interventions such as the lane-keeping assist, sensors analyze steering behavior and gaze direction. The car is designed to intervene only when it unintentionally drifts out of its lane or a collision is imminent.
To help the driver maintain oversight of all processes, BMW Panoramic iDrive displays all important status messages beneath the windshield. A new view on the infotainment screen presents route guidance, surroundings as detected by sensors, and currently active assistants in a three-dimensional overview.
BMW integrates the hardware required for the functional update into all new iX3, BMW iX4, BMW X5, BMW 3er, and BMW 7er models. Customers do not need to make a decision at the time of purchase; these features can be added later and activated through an over-the-air software update. In its official announcement, BMW has not yet provided specific prices for the new city expansion starting in 2027. Previous comprehensive Level-2 packages range from around 1,000 to 5,000 euros depending on the vehicle class and subscription model, or as a subscription for a limited period (for example, 1,500 euros for four years).