[MikeElmendorf]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

BMW's Next-gen Cruise Control Stops at Red Lights (and potentially upgradeable on current vehicles)

Read more here:

https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/25/bm...at-red-lights/

At its NextGen event, BMW today premiered the next generation of its adaptive cruise control system, which will be able to detect and automatically stop at red lights. This isn’t exactly autonomous driving just yet, but it’s clearly an effort to bring some of these advanced cruise control features from highway driving to a more urban environment.

The system uses the same cameras that are already built into virtually all new BMWs today and which can already detect speed limits and pass those on to the cruise control system.

In addition to the camera, the system also uses the car’s built-in navigation feature to get information about where it should expect traffic lights.

Because it’s a new software feature, BMW will be able to upgrade existing cars with this feature in the future, though it remains mum about when exactly it will launch it to customers and which cars will get it first.

I saw the system in action during a short drive in a standard 3-Series car with the software update today. It worked flawlessly in the dense urban traffic of Munich, though this was obviously a pre-planned route that even including a traffic light the company set up specifically for this demo. Whenever the car detected a red light, it gently brought the car to a stop. The car will automatically hold the car at the red light and the driver then has to tap the cruise control button to continue when the light changes to green.

While I didn’t see it in action, the system is also able to detect right and left arrows at more complex intersections and react accordingly, based on the route you programmed into your navigation system

I admit that, at least for the time being, I remain skeptical about using these kinds of level 2 automation systems in an urban environment. It’s a far more challenging and risky environment to navigate and even with these new tools, the driver still has to remain highly engaged. Outside of the urban environment, where there are obviously also plenty of traffic lights, this strikes me as a very useful feature. BMW, though, clearly believes that its system is robust enough to handle urban traffic, too.

[SteveinArizona]

To me, this is in the category of a fun trick to try a couple of times but not something I would trust so therefore not something I would use.

I use ACC a lot but I think I will continue to use the funny looking thing to the left of my right foot to make the car stop at a red light.

[DML]

All this so called "Tech" how about increased security against something little like....CAR THEFT.

[Miko M]

Soon you can sleep and letter car drive you. Lol

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Miko M

Soon you can sleep and let the car drive you.

That's perfect for all the Millennials that prefer to screw around instead of actually driving.

I'll feel much safer knowing their car is driving for their safety and for mine.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Miko M

Soon you can sleep and letter car drive you. Lol

You mean like this:

[Al1969]

When buying a new car instead of selecting it will become a pain to unselect all those stupid driving assistant features ... also hopefully not to be forced into a four cylinders combined with an environment « enemy » electric engine

[Mrgunfun]

That's sex on wheels! (pun intended)

[GuyOh]

I buy a bmw to DRIVE the damn car, I don't need all these assistance aid gizmo tech

[alex2364]

Tell me when BMW will accept all liability when in self driving mode like Volvo will do and maybe then I might be interested. Otherwise it's just a gimmick that BMW isn't willing to accept responsibility for.

[ynguldyn]

Tesla deployed this feature in its cars about a month ago.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Tesla deployed this feature in its cars about a month ago.

Absolutely.

Tesla tech is light years ahead of BMW's.

[RENT-A-GOAT]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Absolutely.

Tesla tech is light years ahead of BMW's.

Shame their built quality doesn't match the list price.

[Wills2]

I hope it works better than their rain sensing wipers.

[bimmer456]

How about stop signs. Can I add to my 2016 without ACC?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by Wills2

I hope it works better than their rain sensing wipers.

You can adjust the sensitivity and speed of RSW

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by RENT-A-GOAT

Shame their built quality doesn't match the list price.

Agreed.

They're going to have to up their game to remain relevant.

[ArturPL]

Originally Posted by Wills2

I hope it works better than their rain sensing wipers.

This is so true

[SlickShift]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

You can adjust the sensitivity and speed of RSW

They never have, and still don't, work all that great at sensing the rain.

[SteveSpy]

Hurry up and catch up to Tesla already!!!!!

[Blubaron79]

Came here for a turn signal joke. Disappointed..

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Absolutely.

Tesla tech is light years ahead of BMW's.

That .. or about a month..