BMW Group licensed to test L3 autonomous cars on expressways in Shanghai

Beijing (Gasgoo)- In December 2023, vehicles equipped with Level 3 (L3) autonomous driving features from BMW Group received official road test licenses on highways/expressways in Shanghai. 

Photo credit: BMW

Under the supervision and guidance of the Shanghai Municipal Government, BMW will conduct L3 high-speed autonomous driving road tests in the designated areas in Shanghai. 

BMW's L3 autonomous driving technologies meet the UN ECE R157 ALKS regulations, enabling highway/expressway road testing in China. In the future, the company aims to launch L3 autonomous driving-enabled vehicles in compliance with Chinese regulations to meet consumer demand for advanced intelligent driving.

BMW China's R&D team has been actively pursuing localized development for L3 autonomous driving technologies, ensuring adaptation and application in China's complex traffic scenarios and driving preferences. The upcoming domestically produced all-new BMW 5 Series long-wheelbase version is already technically prepared for the upgrade to L3 autonomous driving.

Earlier, BMW Group rigorously obtained certification and approval for its L3 autonomous driving solutions from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). BMW models with this functionality are set for customer deliveries in Germany by spring 2024.