BMW is joining the ranks of automakers offering automated driver-assist systems with the introduction of their Personal Pilot L3 system, which is ranked at Level 3 on the SAE scale of self-driving capability. This places BMW’s system ahead of rival systems such as those offered by General Motors and Tesla, which are ranked at Level 2 and require constant monitoring from the driver.
The Level 3 designation means that drivers are free to let go of the steering wheel and look away from the road for short periods, but must be ready to take back control quickly and at any time. This level of automation represents a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology.
BMW is set to launch its Personal Pilot L3 system in the 7-Series flagship sedan in March of next year, initially in Germany. The cost of adding the system will be 6,000 euros, or approximately $6,400. While the launch will be limited to Germany at first, BMW has plans to expand availability to other markets in the future.
The Personal Pilot L3 system is designed for use on divided highways, but is currently limited to single lane driving and a maximum speed of 37 mph (60 kph). The system is capable of handling all aspects of driving, including managing speed, maintaining distance from the vehicle in front, and staying within the lane.
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One notable feature of BMW’s system is its ability to function at night, a capability that is not currently offered by Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, the first Level 3 driver-assist system to come to market. Despite the similarities in capabilities, BMW’s system has the advantage of being able to operate in low-light conditions. Mercedes has announced plans to increase the speed range of its system from 40 mph to 80 mph in the future.
Both the Personal Pilot L3 and Drive Pilot systems rely on live map data to function, and are equipped with a variety of sensors, including lidar and a 5G connection to a cloud-based system for access to the latest map data. When the vehicle’s GPS detects that it is on a suitable stretch of road and traveling within the specific speed range, the driver can activate the system using a button on the steering wheel. The system will then take control of driving tasks, with visual and audible signals alerting the driver when it is time to resume control.
While Level 3 systems represent a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology, they still require the driver to be available to take over control when necessary. Level 4 systems, which can handle extended periods of driving without driver intervention, are currently limited to robotaxi services such as Alphabet’s Waymo One. Development of Level 4 systems for private vehicles is underway, with companies working on expanding the capabilities of autonomous driving technology.
Ultimately, the goal of autonomous driving technology is to achieve Level 5, where vehicles would have the same capabilities as a human driver. While Level 5 systems are still in the realm of future development, the introduction of Level 3 systems like BMW’s Personal Pilot L3 represents an important step forward in the evolution of self-driving technology. As companies continue to develop and refine these systems, the future of autonomous driving looks increasingly promising.
