BMW is taking on Tesla’s FSD with urban driver assist starting in 2027

BMW is expanding its partially automated driving capabilities into urban environments starting in 2027, with the feature first launched in Germany and following markets. The system allows for steering, speed adjustment, and lane changes in both highways and city streets, but still requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road and be prepared to take control at any moment. On highways, drivers can remove their hands from the steering wheel, but on local roads, they must keep their hands on the wheel. BMW is the latest automaker to introduce a city driving feature, as the industry races to keep up with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system.

• BMW’s system works cooperatively with drivers rather than fighting their control, allowing for steering, braking, and speeding up at any point without shutting the system off. The car shows what it sees and what the assistance system is doing through a heads-up display and a 3D map on the main dashboard screen. The system uses existing cameras and sensors in models like the 3 Series, 7 Series, X5, iX3, and iX4. BMW can activate the feature via an over-the-air software update. The system follows new European safety rules that allow cars to make automated driving moves on city streets for the first time. BMW says that outside experts have already road-tested the setup and confirmed it meets technical standards, with final government approval expected in early 2027.

• Safety researchers are growing worried about driver attention and the potential for these systems to cause crashes, as more cars equipped with partial automation hit the road. There is compelling evidence that most driver-assist systems are less safe than normal human driving. Drivers tend to overrely on these systems, even after short use, and their reaction times are slower when it's time to take control. BMW is entering risky territory with the adoption of a Level 2 driving feature, similar to Tesla’s FSD, and emphasizes that drivers remain responsible for the vehicle even while using the system.

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