A new BMW automated driving system that allows drivers to divert their attention from the road for other activities, such as writing emails or watching videos, will soon be available for sale in Germany.
The Personal Pilot system will be offered as an optional feature in new 7 Series cars starting in December, with plans to expand to other markets once it receives approval.
The system, which provides “Level 3” automated driving at speeds of 37 mph or lower, enables drivers to fully disengage from the road in favor of other activities, according to the auto manufacturer’s announcement on Friday.
Under Level 3 automation, a standard established by SAE International, vehicles are capable of handling all driving functions, but the driver must be ready to take control at any time.
The BMW system follows a similar approach to Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, which has been approved in Germany and is scheduled for implementation in Nevada and California this year. However, the BMW system has not yet been approved in those two states.
California and Nevada are currently the only states that permit Level 3 automated driving systems.
The BMW system will be available in German BMW 7 Series cars, excluding the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive, for approximately $6,400. BMW claims that the car’s sensors will enable the system to operate even in the dark, making it the only Level 3 automated driving system with that capability.
Drivers will have the ability to activate and deactivate the program, and visual and audible signals will be used to notify the driver when the program needs to be deactivated and their attention should be redirected to the road.
BMW stated that the system is most suitable for slow-moving traffic during a commute.