Automated driving is coming to new BMWs sooner than you think

Even though self-driving cars might seem a long way off, we’re getting to the early stages. Automated driving features such as Tesla’s AutoPilot and Ford’s BlueCruise let drivers take their hands off the wheel and give the car the heavy lifting. And BMW is the latest to join the self-driving pack, with automated driving headed to the new BMW 7 Series next spring.

• Read more: Henry, take the wheel: Ford Mach E drivers receive hands-off driving on motorways

BMW‘s Personal Pilot L3 is certified as Level 3 highly automated driving. It allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and divert their attention away from the road for short periods of time. It’s designed to take over the entire role of driving, including changing lanes, indicating, and going forwards. You can take calls, watch streaming services, and use other services on the digital console. All the while, your BMW Series 7 takes care of the driving.

Drivers can use the technology when travelling at up to 60km/h (37mph) on motorways with separated carriageways. Thanks to some rather clever sensors, it’s one of the only systems that can be used in the dark. When you can switch on the system, you’ll see an indicator light on the dash. You can switch it on using a button on the steering wheel. Visual and acoustic signals will let you know when it’s time to intervene. And if you don’t? The car will gradually (and safely) come to a standstill.

Fancy smartening up your new Beamer with self-driving tech? BMW’s Personal Pilot L3 will debut in Germany next spring, before rolling out to other countries. You’ll be able to add on the €6000 extra when ordering a new Series 7 (excluding the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive) from December. The tech will be fitted from March 2024 onwards.

• Related: Tesla Autopilot vs Full Self-Driving: what’s the difference between the self-driving modes?