BMW i7 Level 3 autonomous driving software aims to beat Tesla FSD Beta in 2024 ^↺

In the general public, Tesla is largely seen as a leader when it comes to automated-driving technology, even if this perception isn't quite as accurate as its CEO, Elon Musk, would like to think. BMW will now also take Tesla's automated driving software to task when it launches its automated driving packages early next year.

While Tesla aims to reach Level 5 with its Full Self-Driving Beta, it's currently advertised as a Level 2 ADAS suite, meaning it needs constant human supervision, and drivers cannot divert their attention away from the road.

The German car maker recently launched its Personal Pilot L3 for German roads, which appears to be a fair bit more advanced than the Level 2 BMW Highway Assistant that's currently available. BMW claims that its Personal Pilot L3 delivers SAE Level 3 automated driving. The system depends on an array of sensors, including 3D LiDAR sensors to monitor what's happening around the vehicle, and GPS and 5G sensors to receive and transmit information.

The LiDAR sensors are a handy option, since they allow the system to operate at night, and BMW says the system is apt for use on anything from a morning commute to a long roadtrip. It's promotional material shows that in-car streaming will also be possible while the system is active.

For now, Personal Pilot L3 will only be coming to the 7 Series, and the feature will only be operable at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Both the recently-announced i7 eDrive50 and the AWD i7 M70 xDrive are excluded from the lineup that is receiving the ADAS hardware. This means the i7 M60 xDrive is the only local electric BMW to get the features.

The SAE defines Level 3 self-driving as follows:

"These features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met."

In BMW's case, the limitations of Personal Pilot L3 restrict its use to "structurally separated carriageways," and permissive visual conditions. If conditions aren't met, drivers receive both a visual and auditory warning that the service cannot be activated.

BMW Personal Pilot L3 will be available for German customers to order starting in December 2023, and BMW will start installing the necessary sensors in the vehicles in March 2024.

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