SMART, SAFE, SYMBIOTIC:
BMW is first to receive DCAS approval in Germany.

The BMW Group has set yet another technological milestone: we are now the first carmaker in Germany to obtain international approval for our innovative driver assistance systems. The approval, according to UN Regulation No. 171 on Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), paves the way for the next-generation intelligent assistance systems that will feature in the Neue Klasse. First up will be the new BMW iX3. In many European countries, this will incorporate the Motorway Assistant* with an extended range of functions. 

With the Motorway Assistant activated, drivers can take their hands off the wheel for longer periods at speeds of up to 130 km/h – although they must remain alert and ready to intervene at any time. 

Hands-Off is enabled by multiple factors working together, from redundant lane-keeping sensors and in-system plausibility checks to clearly defined system limits and intuitive controls, but also active driver involvement –through displays, steering wheel illumination and sound signals from the BMW Panoramic iDrive, for instance. All of this is complemented with robust driver observation via a new in-car camera system.

DCAS approval now allows for even more additional features: with BMW Maps navigation activated, the Assistant can offer timely suggestions for lane changes at motorway interchanges and exits. All the driver needs to do is confirm the proposed manoeuvre by glancing in the wing mirror. The system even remains active across interchanges and right to the ends of exit slip roads. So, BMW customers will soon get to enjoy Hands-Off Level 2 Assistance in even more different driving situations – comfortably, safely and intuitively.

The latest generation of Motorway and City Assistant* brings further capabilities to the BMW Group’s assistance systems, including for urban driving. At market launch in Germany, the Assistant will support stopping at red lights and automatic pulling away on green. Further functions for more complex city driving will be rolled out in due course via over-the-air software updates.

With these additions, the BMW Group is combining consistent innovation with a clear focus on safety – and the fact that the current generation of Motorway Assistant won the “auto, motor und sport” magazine’s Tech Award in the Comfort Assistance Systems category proves it.

BMW Symbiotic Drive seamlessly connects driver assistance with driver input, reaching its next level of development in Neue Klasse vehicles. The BMW iX3 is the first model in the world to feature not just symbiotic steering but symbiotic braking too. When driver assistance is active, the driver can influence the system whenever they wish by making slight adjustments to the braking or steering – without it deactivating the driver assistance, which remains in operation and continues providing support.

Just how innovative the symbiotic brake is can be seen by the more than two dozen patents the BMW Group has filed in developing these technologies. Pursuing its mission, the BMW Group continues to redefine the driving experience time and again – with intelligent, safe and progressive solutions.

Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development: “The safety-oriented DCAS-regulation ensures that we can launch our Motorway Assistant with hands-off function in many more countries. Further innovative assistance systems with our special, symbiotic approach between vehicle and driver will follow. We are creating a perfect interplay between rule-based algorithms and artificial intelligence. The driver remains involved, our systems are controllable at all times, and their behaviour is reproducible."

* At market launch the BMW iX3 will be available with the Motorway and City Assistant in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Further features and countries will follow. Availability, scope and system limits may vary from country to country.