The announcement of BMW‘s 2024 5 Series has caused some side-eyes.
The eighth generation, the BMW 5 Series, offers an innovative new feature that lets drivers switch lanes simply by looking in the side-view mirrors.
By using Active Lane Change Assistance, a feature that is an optional component of Highway Assistant driver assist suite Level 2, your vehicle will change lanes automatically for you. This is how it operates:
- The system initially informs you to change lanes if it is recommended. It could be because you’re nearing a slower vehicle, or the road you’re on is closing, and you’re forced to merge.
- When you activate Active Lane Change Assist, the driver glances in the side-view mirror, and the car then changes lanes if it’s safe.
Like GM‘s SuperCruise technology, other cars have an automated alternative for changing lanes. However, they will require that you accept the prompt by using the stalk of your turn in person. BMW eliminates this step, letting your eyes control the steering.
A few concerns
Some could be a lot more enthusiast about this feature. MotorTrend is an example. Has questioned the safety of eye-controlled steering.
“We’d be lying if we weren’t slightly concerned,” the auto magazine said. “The reality is that it’s not an arduous process to move your hand a few inches and touch the stalk, and there’s a lot less potential for the car to misinterpret the action. We’ll have to try this system out once the car is available for review to see for ourselves.”
First 5-Series electric
The lane change control system controlled by the eye was not the only significant announcement from BMW in the last week. BMW also announced the launch of two new models. The German automaker also revealed the launch of two electric Five Series models.
The i5 eDrive40, which has 335 horsepower, comes with an EPA range of 300 miles per month. The cost of the model is $67,795.
The top-of-the-line comes with the M60 xDrive, a two-motor 590 horsepower machine. It will cost a minimum of $85,095 for this model.
