BMW First in Germany to Receive International Approval for 'Hands-Free' Driving System

BMW Group is the first in Germany to receive international approval for innovative driving assistants under the new DCAS regulation. The electric crossover iX3 has been certified according to the international UN regulation for Level 2 autonomy driver assistance systems.

What is Known

The new DCAS standard is a set of rules for innovative assistants that allow the driver to relax on the highway but stay ready to intervene. For example, the Motorway Assistant system can keep the car in its lane at speeds up to 130 km/h and change lanes independently — the driver only needs to confirm the maneuver with a glance. Hands on the steering wheel are not required.

Additionally, the updated assistant can preemptively suggest lane changes at exits or interchanges, and in the city, the new version can independently brake at traffic lights and start moving. All additional functions will be phased in through software updates.

BMW's special pride is the symbiotic approach where the driver and technology work as one. The iX3 is the first in the world to introduce 'symbiotic brakes', allowing electronic assistants to be influenced by a light touch on the steering wheel or pedal without completely disabling them. Behind these technologies are numerous BMW patented developments that elevate comfort and safety to a new level.

Driver assistance systems on the highway and in the city will be available in Germany simultaneously with the market launch of the BMW iX3. Other countries and functions will appear later. Availability, feature set, and system limitations of highway and city driver assistance systems may vary by country.

Source: BMW