2023 bmw i7 prototype first drive review
As part of the larger BMW April 20th announcements, we will have a very special model, the new BMW i7 EV, the car will have all the main features as the other 7 series, but what makes it stand out is the new driver-assistance system, a new technology that includes a hands-free option, a first on BMW’s lineup.[i]
The cars details are not disclosed yet, we know very little about the design details or power, BMW previously hinted to a performance similar to that of the new iX xDrive50, which means something around 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. Other than that, we still have to wait the official release to discover the car in its entirety.
One thing however that test drivers could already examine closely is the new driver-assistance system, or as BMW calls it, the “highway assistant”. It’s basically a level 2 autonomous driving system with enhanced capabilities. We have seen similar level 2 driving aid system, mainly in General Motors and ford cars with their Super Cruise and BlueCruise respectively, but BMW’s system has more to it, that’s why they call it a level 2 plus system.
The first stage of the system is familiar enough, and easy to activate as well, a simple press of a button will engage the standard Level 2 driver-assistance, where the driver will still have to maintain his hands on the steering wheel, even if the car won’t rely on his input to maintain its course.
The next step is more impressive, by pressing the mode button right on the steering wheel the next self-driving level is engaged. At this point the driver can take his hands of the wheel giving near-full control to the car. The car will keep going smoothly as long as the driver’s eyes are still on the road. If he takes them long enough off the road, the i7 will shut-off the system and stop gradually.
Even at this point Super Cruise and BlueCruise are still fairly similar, what distinguishes BMW’s system is the level of forgiveness that it gives the driver, he can use the speed and brake pedals to a certain extent without deactivating the system all together.
What’s also amazing about the i7, is the smooth straight course that it takes while cruising, unlike other systems that keep constantly going from one side of the lane to the other. Even when overtaking lower speed vehicles, the car can calculate the optimal speed needed to perform the maneuvers, a great improvement to the current models which takes too long to reach the required speed.
One feature the Stateside models won’t have, is the speed adjustment according to the highway changing speed limitation, BMW official said that the speed limitation in the US don’t change that often unlike those in European roads, so there is no need to bother with the additional complications.
It’s obvious that BMW is taking its time with autonomous driving systems, unlike rival brands, BMW is keeping the level 3 system for future models.
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