CNN –
In the new BMW 5 Series sedan, which the German luxury carmaker unveiled on Wednesday, drivers can change lanes on the Autobahn simply by looking to the side.
The vehicle’s optional Highway Assistant system allows drivers to travel long distances on major freeways without touching the steering wheel or pedals. Numerous major car manufacturers are now offering such a feature, but BMW is adding this novel feature: drivers can change lanes simply by looking in one of the wing mirrors.
Automated lane changes are possible in many similar systems, but usually the driver must request it or agree to the vehicle’s suggestion to change lanes by using the turn signal.
bmw
The new BMW i5 eDrive40.
If the automated driving system of the vehicle with the new BMW system suggests a lane change – for example because the car in front is driving too slowly – the driver only has to look in the relevant side mirror and the car will do the rest. The system is based on a camera mounted behind the steering wheel that monitors the driver’s line of sight.
The same camera also verifies that the driver is keeping an eye on the road at all times. Otherwise, warnings will flash inside the vehicle and eventually the system will stop working. (If the driver appears incapacitated, the vehicle will slow down until it comes to a stop and the hazard warning lights will turn on.)
If the car itself hasn’t suggested a lane change, the driver can still request a lane change by tapping the turn signal stalk to indicate which side.
Sensors must recognize that there is enough free space in the other lane and that no other vehicles are approaching at high speed on this side. When everything is clear, the car drives past. The system can operate at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
The new BMW 5 Series will be available from October in several petrol versions with four and six-cylinder engines, as well as an all-electric model. The electric version, the i5 eDrive40, will cost $67,000 to purchase and will be able to travel an estimated 295 miles on a full charge.
Plug-in hybrid versions of the car will be available sometime next year.