BMW 5-series is the first car that can drive semi-independently at 130 km/h in Germany

German authorities have given permission for BMW’s semi-autonomous self-driving technology to be used on certain German highways. This means that cars from the new BMW 5-series can drive hands-free at a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

The German road authority KBA recently approved BMW’s Autobahn Assistant, reports the car manufacturer. This allows users to drive their car independently without having to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The KBA limits the maximum speed to 130 km/h. The Autobahn Assistant system concerns ‘level 2’ autonomous driving, which allows the car to drive independently, but drivers still have to focus their attention on the road. Cameras in the car monitor whether the driver is paying sufficient attention to the road.

BMW’s function can also change lanes itself. This also works hands-free. With camera systems, the car itself can detect that a lane is free, for example to perform overtaking maneuvers. Users can confirm that they want to change lanes by looking at the car’s side mirror or manually using the turn signal. BMW’s lane assistant works at speeds from 60 to 180 km/h. At speeds above 130 km/h, the lane assistant will not work hands-free.

Semi-autonomous driving at 130 km/h has been allowed on certain roads in Germany since this year. However, BMW is the first car manufacturer to receive permission for this for certain cars. This currently only applies to BMW’s new 5-series. Other manufacturers also want to market such systems. Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system had previously been approved for use in Germany, but the maximum speed was 64 km/h.

BMW’s self-driving function is already available in the US and Canada and is now coming to a European country for the first time. According to German tech website Heise the function will receive an additional charge of 850 euros as soon as it becomes available.

Source: BMW