BMW will introduce new urban assistance features starting in 2027.
BMW is introducing new driver assistance features for urban driving. With the navigation’s active destination guidance, drivers now receive assistance during turns, lane changes, overtaking situations, and roundabouts. Automatic stopping and starting at traffic lights is already possible today with the City Assistant.
The rollout is set to begin in Germany in 2027, with additional countries following gradually. With the Highway and City Assistants, navigation-guided, partially automated driving at Level 2 becomes possible in cities as well, not just on highways and country roads. A prerequisite for all these functions is staying alert, which the system ensures using an interior camera.
The required technical equipment is standard in the new BMW models. This includes the BMW iX3, BMW iX4, and all variants of the BMW X5, 3 Series, and 7 Series — so likely also the iX5, i3, and i7. The necessary software is installed via over-the-air updates, allowing the assistance features to be enabled even after purchasing the vehicle. BMW does not mention whether this is free.
The new features are part of “Symbiotic Drive,” which is how BMW refers to the collaboration between driver and vehicle while driving. With assistance features activated, drivers are supposed to be able to manage driving situations cooperatively. This means they can accelerate, steer, and brake on their own without disabling the assistant system.
This symbiotic behavior is also intended for the lane-keeping assistant: the car will only issue warnings and intervene with steering if leaving the lane is truly unintentional. The driver’s intent is detected based on steering behavior and gaze direction. However, the system also intervenes when a collision is imminent.
New display on the Panoramic Vision display
Image by: BMW
The Panoramic Vision display, which is standard on the affected models, shows situation-specific information when the assist system is active, providing updates on the status of the assist systems.
New Interface on the Touchscreen
Image by: BMW
There is also a new navigation interface on the touchscreen designed to assist in complex traffic situations. It combines route guidance, vehicle surroundings, and driver assistance information into a single 3D view. It displays the next navigation step, how the vehicle perceives its surroundings, and which assistance functions support the driving task.
The required certification tests for road use have already been completed by an independent technical service. This meets the technical requirements for approving the system, although approval is not expected until early 2027, according to BMW.
Image Gallery: BMW Symbiotic Drive for the City (2027)
New BMW vehicles in testing:
In summary
From our colleagues, we know that assistive systems aren’t for everyone. But during our test of the BMW iX3, we found the Symbiotic Drive to be very positive both on the highway and on country roads. Drivers can let the system assist them or take control themselves if a situation seems critical. Once things return to normal, they can simply release the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes, and the assistant takes over again. We would keep this assistant active at all times. In the future, something similar is expected to be available in cities as well.
The requirement is always to remain attentive – the system belongs to Level 2. Automated driving at Level 3, which allows drivers to check their emails and only need to take control again when prompted, was offered for a time. This was available in BMW’s 7 Series and in Mercedes’ EQS and S-Class. However, these expensive systems were soon discontinued – in BMW’s case due to low demand. But we find that even Level 2 can be a huge relief on long trips.