BMW Has Just Surpassed Mercedes in Achieving a Significant Hands-Free Driving Milestone | Carscoops

      The Motorway Assistant feature of the iX3 has received approval under DCAS, enabling the Level 2 system to operate in various countries.

      10 hours ago by Michael Gauthier

      The United Nations has simplified the approval process for autonomous driving technology.

      With this endorsement, BMW's iX3 now offers hands-free driving capabilities.

      The system functions at speeds of up to 81 mph and is applicable in numerous countries.

      While Mercedes is developing a driverless S-Class, their main competitor has become the first German car manufacturer to obtain approval for the new UN Regulation on Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS).

      The green light for the iX3 means the automaker can provide the hands-free Motorway Assistant feature across several countries.

      More: The iX3 Represents BMW’s Neue Klasse Future With an Unexpected Price

      This has been a significant challenge for autonomous vehicles due to a patchwork of regulations; some systems may be approved in Germany but not in other regions.

      As the company indicated, the “DCAS regulation offers an international legal framework for innovative Level 2 driver assistance systems with an emphasis on customer safety.”

      BMW mentioned they previously held an exemption from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority for an earlier version of Motorway Assistant. However, with the DCAS approval, they no longer require exemptions and can provide the system throughout Europe and other ECE countries.

      To clarify, Motorway Assistant permits drivers to travel hands-free at speeds of up to 81 mph (130 km/h), but being a Level 2 system, they must remain attentive and ready to take action if necessary.

      Although that’s common, Motorway Assistant can automatically change lanes with the driver merely needing to look to confirm that it’s safe. The system can also recommend lane changes in advance of an upcoming exit.

      In Germany, the crossover takes it further with the City Assistant for urban driving. At the time of launch, it will allow the vehicle to automatically stop at red lights and resume movement when the light turns green.

      This is quite impressive, and BMW has indicated that more urban driving features will be introduced through over-the-air updates, enhancing the comfort of city trips over time.