BMW Outpaces Rivals: Motorway Assistant Becomes First Globally Approved Hands-Free System for 130 km/h Journeys

In the race for hands-free driving, BMW has leapfrogged rivals by securing the world’s first international regulatory approval for its Motorway Assistant autonomous driving system. By meeting the new UN DCAS (Driver Control Assistance Systems) standard on the iX3, BMW can now deploy hands-free driving at up to 130 km/h (81 mph) in dozens of countries. This article unpacks what this milestone means for drivers, how BMW solved the legal puzzles, and why an era of smart, cross-border autonomy has truly begun.

A Historic Regulatory Win for BMW

• The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) created the DCAS regulation, setting the international bar for Level 2 driver assistance, focused on safety and customer experience.​

• DCAS approval allows compliant automakers to sell hands-free systems in up to 60 countries (EU, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, and more) with one certification.

• The BMW iX3 is the first German model to meet these rules, no longer needing country-by-country exemptions. This sets the foundation for technology rollouts in Asia and the Middle East.

• The standard closes the gap between nations so BMW can offer the same system consistently across markets.​

How Motorway Assistant Works

• Motorway Assistant enables hands-off driving up to 130 km/h, provided the driver remains alert and ready to respond.​

• The system controls lane keeping and automatically executes lane changes; a simple glance from the driver confirms intent to switch.​

• Using navigation, the system suggests timely lane changes for motorway exits; driver glances signal agreement, streamlining complex junctions.​

• City Assistant (available first in Germany) lets the car stop and go at traffic lights and will be expanded further via over-the-air updates.

• Multiple cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence ensure the car monitors road, traffic, and driver attention, intervening when needed for safety.​

BMW vs Mercedes: The Regulatory Showdown

Revolutionary Perks for Drivers and Industry

• Drivers can now enjoy safe, stable, and relaxed hands-free travel—but with safety rules ensuring readiness to intervene.

• The single-market approval means effortless cross-border motoring for business or holidays in much of Europe (and beyond).

• System integrates AI with rule-based logic, offering proactive driver alerts, fatigue reduction, and greater family comfort on long trips.

• BMW’s pioneer status gives it an edge in branding: international trust, uninterrupted usability across countries, and a rapid upgrade pipeline.​

The Road Ahead: Toward Fully Smart Cities

• BMW plans to expand City Assistant with future updates: handling city intersections, pedestrian crossings, and parking.

• Over-the-air upgrades will add features, making urban commuting as automated as highway driving.

• As international standards solidify, Level 2 autonomy will migrate from motorways to everyday urban mobility.

“The Smart Road and the Watchful Hero”

On a family road trip across Europe, Dad lets BMW’s Motorway Assistant take the wheel. The car glides along at speed, changes lanes with a glance, and—rolling into town—stops itself for a red light. For kids and parents, tech becomes not a luxury—but a vital, trustworthy partner for every journey.