The **BMW iX3** has sparked considerable interest and marks a new direction for BMW's electric vehicles. It builds on a unique technical platform, allowing improvements in several areas, such as increased driving range, ultra-fast charging, a modern cockpit, and next-generation driving assistance systems. One of its standout features is the Highway Assistant, a semi-autonomous driving system that lets the driver release the steering wheel on highways. This system is classified as level 2 semi-autonomous, meaning it can handle acceleration, braking, and lane changes without driver input, but only on highways up to 130 km/h. The driver must remain attentive, and the system uses a camera under the central mirror to monitor their focus.
To activate the Highway Assistant, the driver simply presses a button on the left steering column. Two green LED bars light up on the steering hub, and a message appears on the Panoramic Vision display. The system works effectively both day and night, switching to infrared mode when light levels drop. However, if the driver is distracted for too long—such as looking at the central screen—the system may deactivate itself for 30 minutes, unless the driver switches to Park. This can be frustrating, as the system penalizes attention to the central screen, even though BMW has removed most physical buttons, placing all controls on that screen.
The Highway Assistant is available as an optional feature, costing 1,100 euros for four years. BMW justifies this price due to the high-definition mapping of roads and the data exchanged between the car and servers needed for the system to function. The system can also be rented, either by the month for 35 euros or by the year for 350 euros. It allows for quick and narrow lane changes, a feature many drivers appreciate. However, the car tends to wait until the last moment before suggesting a lane change, which sometimes requires the driver to use the turn signal to overtake a truck. Turns are executed smoothly, with minimal braking.
The Highway Assistant was tested on a journey from Paris to Montluçon, where the driver found it impressive for long trips. The system's ability to handle unexpected situations, such as a heavy truck veering off course or a scooter speeding up the lane, was noted. The driver praised the system's maturity and usefulness. However, they also felt that the system made them feel more like a supervisor than an active participant in driving, which is an activity they enjoy.
BMW iX3's Highway Assistant Tested for Semi-Autonomous Driving Capabilities
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
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