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Ford has unveiled BlueCruise 1.5, the latest version of its hands-free highway driving software, featuring an Automatic Lane Change function. This enhancement allows vehicles to automatically pass slower traffic, ensuring a smoother and more efficient driving experience. The update aims to increase the amount of time drivers can stay engaged in hands-free mode while navigating complex traffic situations. BlueCruise 1.5 is initially available on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E, with more vehicles expected to adopt it soon.
Key Highlights:
- Automatic Lane Change allows seamless lane shifts to pass slower vehicles.
- Designed to increase hands-free driving time by avoiding challenging traffic situations.
- Visual and audio prompts alert drivers before automatic lane changes occur.
- Available initially on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E with broader rollouts to follow.
Smooth Hands-Free Lane Changes
The new Automatic Lane Change feature in BlueCruise 1.5 allows the system to seamlessly change lanes when it detects a clear adjacent lane. This keeps the vehicle moving at the driver’s preferred speed, especially when slower vehicles are ahead. Drivers receive visual and audio alerts before the lane change, providing a reason for the maneuver, such as passing slower traffic or moving out of a passing lane. The automatic change proceeds unless the driver intervenes by tapping the turn signal in the opposite direction or holding the steering wheel.
If drivers prefer not to use the Automatic Lane Change feature, it can be disabled in the Driver Assistance settings, giving flexibility to those who are less comfortable with this level of automation.
Advancements in BlueCruise for Mustang Mach-E
Ford first introduced BlueCruise on the Mustang Mach-E and has continued to refine the experience. Following versions 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3, which included new features and performance improvements, BlueCruise 1.5 brings the latest advancements, including enhancements to highway driving stability in a variety of conditions. Mustang Mach-E customers will be the first to experience these upgrades, with more vehicle models expected to adopt the technology soon.
In 2023, around 77% of BlueCruise trips in the U.S. were under 20 minutes, demonstrating its popularity for shorter drives. For longer trips, such as those over an hour, BlueCruise was used more than 50% of the time, highlighting its usefulness in making highway driving more comfortable and enjoyable.
Ford plans to expand the availability of BlueCruise 1.5 and share updates regarding additional compatible vehicles soon.
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