BMW Gets Permit To Trial Level 3 Autonomous Driving System In China

JAKARTA - BMW Group has developed a more sophisticated level 3 autonomous driving system to help drivers on the highway. The system has also received a trial license in Shanghai, China. Thus, this brings the manufacturer closer to presenting more autonomous driving systems on other vehicle lines.

Reported by Reuters on Thursday, December 14, BMW will launch a product equipped with level 3 self-driving functions if they can do so in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. This latest license will expand the area for manufacturers to test advanced driving technology in the region.

China itself has made a policy to accelerate the adoption of mass autonomous driving technology. Earlier in December, China also issued safety guidelines for the use of autonomous vehicles on public transport.

The level 3 autonomous system developed by BMW has advanced capabilities, one of which operates in dark conditions. In addition, when the system is activated, drivers can perform various activities such as watching video streaming or editing emails while driving.

This feature operates at a speed of 60 km/h on the highway through a structurally separated traffic lane. This system is able to control the speed of the vehicle by adjusting the distance to the vehicle in front of it. However, the advantage of this feature is not limited to that.

With this system, drivers can get their hands off the wheel and focus their attention on other activities outside of driving.

For now, the new level 3 autonomous driving system is available in the latest Series-7 starting March 2024. Meanwhile, other models such as Series-5, i7, and iX will be getting these features in the near future.

For users interested in installing this feature, BMW offers it for 6,000 euros or around Rp. 100.7 million for an optional addition. The system is scheduled to be available in Series-7 starting in early March 2024 in Germany.