BMW plans to introduce navigation-guided, partially automated driving in urban areas in Germany in early 2027. The new capabilities will extend the company’s Highway & City Assistant beyond its current motorway functions, while requiring drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control.
The system currently manages speed and lane keeping on motorways, and can brake and move off again at traffic lights in cities. BMW says the expanded version will support journeys from motorways through country roads and into city centres, with the driver supervising throughout. In France, only the motorway part of the system is currently available.
BMW says the system is intended to comply with the updated UNECE R171 regulation, known as DCAS Series 2. Required tests in real traffic have reportedly been completed successfully by an independent technical service, but the launch remains subject to official confirmation expected in early 2027.
The rollout will start in Germany before expanding to other countries. BMW says the features will initially be available on the iX3 and iX4, as well as the multi-energy versions of the 3 Series, 7 Series and X5, with more models to follow.
Sources: Numerama.