BMW has won regulatory clearance in Germany to offer its Motorway Assistant more widely, paving the way for Level 2 “hands-off” driving in the new iX3 and other models across Europe under UN Regulation No. 171 for Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS).
The approval makes BMW the first carmaker in Germany to certify driver assistance on the iX3 to the DCAS standard, an international framework that governs advanced Level 2 systems with a safety focus.
It replaces model-specific exemptions and allows broader market roll-outs in Europe and other ECE countries.
When activated, Motorway Assistant keeps the vehicle in its lane and permits drivers to remove their hands from the wheel at speeds of up to 130kph, while remaining alert and ready to intervene.
The system can also change lanes automatically; the driver confirms the manoeuvre with a glance in the exterior mirror.
With active BMW Maps guidance, it prompts timely lane changes at junctions and exits, and stays active through the junction and to the end of the exit ramp.
The current generation recently earned the Tech Award for “comfort assistance systems” from Germany’s auto motor und sport magazine.
Urban functions arrive alongside the motorway features. At launch in Germany, the iX3’s City Assistant can stop at red lights and set off again automatically.
BMW said more city-driving capabilities for complex scenarios would follow via over-the-air updates.
The iX3 debuts symbiotic brakes alongside symbiotic steering, allowing drivers to nudge the wheel or brake lightly to shape the assistance without disabling it.
BMW said more than two dozen patents support the technology.
Motorway Assistant first appeared on the current 5 Series in 2023 under a limited national exemption.
With DCAS approval now in place, BMW can extend hands-off assistance to more models and markets, with added functions for both motorway and city use.
