BMW Upgrades: 7 Series and Highway Assistant

BMW is unveiling a range of updates for its European models this fall. The X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer receive iDrive 9, while the 5 Series gets Fire Red paint. Meanwhile, the 7 Series gets new light-alloy wheel options from November, including a striking 21-inch set with mixed-size tires.

The standout addition is the European launch of Highway Assistant in spring 2024, already operational in the US and Canada. This semi-automated system, approved by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, works at speeds up to 81 mph, enabling momentary hands-off driving on multi-lane roads with separated carriageways.

Highway Assistant activation prompts display on-screen. It offers hands-free driving but demands constant road attention. It also simplifies lane changes, triggered by a glance at the side mirrors, eliminating turn signal use – a common BMW driver stereotype.

In the competition for advanced autonomous driving, BMW faces Mercedes, which introduced level 3 autonomy with Drive Pilot in models like the S-Class and EQS. The rivalry between these German automakers intensifies.