BMW to launch L3 autonomous driving functions no later than early 2024

Beijing (Gasgoo)- BMW’s R&D team in China has initiated localized development of Level 3 autonomous driving functions, ensuring full compliance with local regulatory requirements for the adaptation and implementation of this technology in China, the company disclosed on July 27.

Photo credit: BMW

The German auto giant is intensifying its efforts to develop Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, with global plans to launch the technology by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

The BMW Future Mobility Development Center, situated in Sokolov, Czech Republic, was officially inaugurated in the summer of 2023. This center is dedicated to the research and testing of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies.

As a pioneer in transforming the automotive industry, BMW has consistently invested heavily in R&D, with a total expenditure of €6.624 billion in 2022, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. These investments primarily focus on two key areas, including the development of new vehicle models and the sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric powertrain technology, as well as digitalization, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and human-machine interaction. 

The Future Mobility Development Center is a prime example of BMW's dedication to advancing innovation in the future mobility sector, driving the comprehensive development of the autonomous driving ecosystem.

In July of this year, BMW's new Shanghai R&D Center was officially inaugurated, further expanding and upgrading the company's research institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Nanjing. With this move, BMW has established its largest and most comprehensive R&D system outside of Germany in China, embracing an open innovation concept. By bringing together all R&D functions under one roof, BMW aims to achieve more efficient collaboration. 

In China, BMW possesses full-process automotive R&D capabilities and comprehensive intelligent connected vehicle software development capabilities, embodying its corporate strategy rooted in China. Furthermore, BMW is dedicated to creating appealing products for its users, offering luxurious and emotionally engaging travel experiences.