BMW Group has secured approval to expand its advanced “hands-off” driving assistance technology across Europe under the United Nations’ Regulation No. 171 for Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS). The certification, awarded for the new BMW iX3, marks a milestone for the company as it becomes the first automaker in Germany authorized to offer Level 2 driver assistance under the new international framework.
The DCAS regulation sets global standards for semi-automated systems designed to enhance driver comfort while ensuring safety. With this approval, BMW can now extend its Motorway Assistant system—previously introduced under limited exemptions—to additional models and markets without regulatory restrictions. The system allows hands-off driving at speeds up to 130 km/h, maintaining lane positioning and assisting with steering, while keeping the driver engaged and ready to take control when needed.
Among its upgraded functions, the Motorway Assistant can automatically manage lane changes based on a driver’s confirmation via the side mirror. It also integrates with BMW Maps, suggesting optimal lanes in advance of highway exits or junctions. The system remains active through complex motorway segments, enabling smoother transitions without requiring constant manual input.
The company has also introduced a City Assistant for the iX3, expanding automation to urban environments. This feature includes automatic stopping and restarting at traffic lights, with additional updates for city navigation planned through future over-the-air updates. Together, the Motorway and City Assistant systems reflect BMW’s broader commitment to combining automation with driver involvement under its “Symbiotic Drive” concept.
The latest iteration of BMW’s driver assistance emphasizes cooperation between human and machine. Designed to create a natural balance between manual and automated inputs, the system allows light steering or braking interventions without deactivating assistance functions. The development reflects BMW’s strategy to advance automated driving while maintaining safety, transparency, and user control as core principles.
Source: BMW