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The BMW 7 Series is set to have its driver-assist tech dialled back a level as cost pressures force a strategic revision.
The Level 3 self-driving capability of the BMW 7 Series is set to be dropped as the model comes in for a mid-life refresh.
A report from Automotive News Europe reveals that BMW’s flagship model will lose the option of Level 3 ‘eyes-off’ driver-assist technology, reverting to a version of a less-advanced Level 2 support system.
In overseas markets, the 7 Series is available with Personal Pilot L3 self-driving technology that allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in ideal conditions.
The system has been short-lived, however, first appearing in 2024 and coming to an end after just over two years as an available option.
The revised 7 Series will instead switch to a Level 2 driver-assist system first introduced on the new iX3 and set to expand across BMW’s line-up.
Driver-assist systems are categorised by levels of assistance and autonomy, with Level 2 offering ‘basic’ autonomy like lane-keeping, lane-centring and adaptive cruise control that can work together in limited driving scenarios.
Level 3 provides greater hands-off autonomy with driver intervention still required in certain situations, and Level 4 steps up to autonomy without driver intervention in most – but still not all – situations.
Cost pressures are reportedly behind the switch, with the cost of lidar sensors, additional hardware, and more powerful computing requirements impacting the Level 3 System.
The cost of additional validation to meet regulatory approval is also a factor.
Away from the automotive industry, the price of RAM and computer hardware has risen sharply, driven by the demands of the AI boom, forcing automakers to look to scale back on expensive high-performance processors.
The €6000 ($AU10,000) L3 option for the 7 Series has seen a low take-up rate with buyers, with the iX3’s optional assist package priced at a more palatable €1450 ($AU2420).
The iX3-adapted Level 2 system will still be capable of hands-off driving in freeway settings, with automated lane-change capability.
The impact won't be as obvious in Australia, where BMW doesn’t offer the Personal Pilot L3 system.
The brand claims that over 160 million kilometres have already been covered using its hands-free system, in Germany, the USA, and Canada, providing the brand with data that will be used to develop its replacement systems.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
