BMW Group has become the first automaker in Germany to receive international approval under the new UN Regulation No. 171 for Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), enabling broader deployment of its advanced Motorway Assistant across Europe. The new approval covers the BMW iX3, marking a milestone in Level 2 “hands-off” driver assistance innovation and regulatory alignment.
Highlights
- First German automaker certified under UN Regulation No. 171 (DCAS) for driver assistance systems.
- BMW Motorway Assistant enables “hands-off” driving up to 130 km/h with glance-based lane changes.
- Expanded rollout planned across additional models and European markets.
- BMW Symbiotic Drive introduces world-first “symbiotic braking” for intuitive driver-system cooperation.
BMW Motorway Assistant Gains International Approval
The DCAS regulation establishes a global legal framework for advanced Level 2 systems emphasizing safety and driver engagement. With this approval, BMW can now offer the Motorway Assistant with “hands-off” capability across more models and regions without country-specific exemptions.
Drivers can rest their hands while the system maintains lane position and performs lane changes automatically—confirmed simply with a glance at the side mirror. When paired with BMW Maps route guidance, the assistant proactively suggests lane changes for motorway exits and junctions, maintaining assistance through complex transitions.
BMW’s current generation Motorway Assistant recently earned the Tech Award for Comfort Assistance Systems from auto motor und sport.
City Assistant Expands Urban Capabilities
The new Motorway and City Assistant for the BMW iX3 adds intelligent urban functions, including automatic stopping at red lights and start-off capability. Further urban driving features will follow via over-the-air software updates, extending DCAS-level convenience beyond highways.
BMW Symbiotic Drive: AI Meets Driver Intuition
The introduction of BMW Symbiotic Drive represents a new era in driver-vehicle cooperation. This next-generation system, debuting in the BMW iX3 and future Neue Klasse vehicles, ensures a seamless transition between driver input and system control.
Key innovations include:
- Symbiotic steering and braking, allowing drivers to make light steering or braking inputs without disengaging assistance.
- Over two dozen patents filed for BMW’s symbiotic brake technology.
- A balance between rule-based algorithms and AI, ensuring predictable, human-centered behavior.
As Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development, stated:
“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.”
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