BMW is dropping its Level 3 “Eyes-Off” self-driving capability from the 7 Series, opting for a Level 2 system instead.
BMW’s Level 2 System, which launched on the iX3, delivers basic autonomous features, including adaptive cruise control, automated lane adjustments, and lane-centring. BMW plans to roll out the Level 2 system across its entire line-up in the near future, with the iX3 and 7 Series as the first vehicles to feature it.
According to the automaker, the decision to drop “Eyes-Off” is due to several cost factors. First and foremost, the computer hardware and sensors needed to run the system, including RAM, processors, and lidar sensors, have seen a massive spike in prices due to supply chain shortages. Additionally, the physical validation costs required to approve the system across multiple jurisdictions have increased and are holding up the rollout in most areas.
For BMW, the increasing costs associated with the feature were not worth it. Plus, most 7 Series clients did not opt in for the Level 3 self-driving tech, which costs 6,000 euros.
It remains unclear whether BMW will re-evaluate its self-driving feature and consider it in the future. The company had mapped over 160 million km with its hands-free system, with highways in Germany, the United States, and Canada covered. But for now, the 7 Series will be limited to a Level 2 autonomous driving system.
