BMW to offer partially automated city driving from 2027

BMW wants to bring partially automated driving to urban traffic in Germany from 2027. According to the Munich carmaker, selected models will get navigation-guided assistance functions that support drivers on motorways, country roads and in cities.

The move comes shortly after Mercedes said on 21 October that it would offer partially automated driving from start to destination in production cars from 2027. BMW says its system uses active route guidance via BMW Maps to help with turns, urban lane changes, right-of-way situations and roundabouts. The company calls it the first continuous, navigation-guided, partially automated drive from motorway to city.

Still Level 2, with a cooperative approach

The system remains at automation Level 2, so drivers must stay attentive and monitor the road at all times. Both BMW and Mercedes have postponed Level 3 plans for now, citing high costs and limited customer interest. Automated stopping and starting at traffic lights is already available in Germany with the current City Assistant.

BMW also highlights what it calls "Symbiotic Drive". Drivers can keep influencing the car by accelerating, steering and braking while the assistant is active. Steering behaviour and gaze direction are used to detect intent, so the system only warns and intervenes if the driver drifts out of lane unintentionally or a collision looms.

Approval and availability

BMW says the systems are being certified under the updated UNECE R171 regulation (DCAS Series 2). An independent technical service has completed the required real-traffic tests, but official confirmation is still pending and expected in early 2027. The launch country list beyond Germany and the exact start date have not been announced.

Status and upcoming manoeuvres appear in the BMW Panoramic Vision display, while a new 3D view in BMW Maps shows the route, surroundings and active assistance functions on the central screen.

The necessary hardware is already fitted in the new BMW iX3, the iX4 (available from March 2027), X5, 3 Series and 7 Series. Owners can unlock the optional function after purchase through an over-the-air update. BMW has not yet named a price.