BMWs semi-autonomous driver assist tech approved up to 130km/h in Germany

Owners of the all-new BMW 5 Series in Germany can now go hands-free at high speeds, with the company’s ‘Autobahn Assist’ getting the green light from authorities.

BMW drivers will soon be able to drive hands-free for extended periods on selected German roads at speeds of up to 130km/h.

BMW has announced it has received approval from German authorities to allow its ‘Level Two’ semi-autonomous driver assist technology to be used on divided autobahns in the 5 Series and electric i5.

The news comes days after Mercedes-Benz received approval for its ‘Level Three’ semi-autonomous driving technology in US state of California, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road.

But while Mercedes-Benz has received approval for its ‘Drive Pilot’ system to be used at up to 64km/h, BMW’s ‘Autobahn Assistant’ is designed to reduce fatigue and improve comfort during long distance driving, at speeds of up to 130km/h.

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BMW drivers engaging the system must keep their eyes on the road, and be ready to take over driving duties at all times – with the vehicle monitoring the driver at all times.

Autobahn Assistant is already available on the BMW 7 Series in North America, but it will only be made available to the BMW 5 Series and the electric i5 when in Germany.

Earlier this month, reports suggested Tesla was testing its ‘Full Self-Driving’ system on Australian roads.

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