Skip advert
Advertisement

Autonomous fleet of BMWs set for the road in 2017

Partnership between BMW, Intel and Mobileye develops ‘scalable’ autonomous technology

BMW, in partnership with Intel and Mobileye, will have 40 autonomous test vehicles on the road later this year.

The three companies began working together in the summer of 2016 and since then have developed an autonomous driving technology that’s ready to be tested in cars, including the BMW 7 Series, this year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW says the technology is a ‘scalable architecture’, which is significant because it means other manufacturers and technology firms will be able to buy certain parts for their own autonomous systems, or a complete version if they wish.

While testing will start this year, a fully autonomous BMW won’t hit the road until the turn of the next decade. Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board of management for development at BMW, said: “This year, our fleet of vehicles will already test this joint technology globally under real traffic conditions. This is a significant step towards the introduction of the BMW iNEXT in 2021, which will be the BMW Group’s first fully autonomous vehicle.”

The partnership between the three companies brings together Intel’s expertise in computer processing, Mobileye’s vision processor and BMW’s ability to integrate the technology with driving control and dynamics, and produce complete prototypes.

BMW will continue to work with Mobileye to develop a ‘sensor fusion solution’ that’ll create a complete model of the environment around a car to go with a driving policy, which together will give it the information and intelligence to drive itself safely out on the open road.

The iNEXT will be the first fully autonomous BMW when it arrives in 2021 and is likely to exist as a showcase for the technology available on conventional BMW models. BMW says we can expect ‘a range of highly automated models from all BMW Group brands’ after the iNEXT has been launched.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?
BMW X7 rain
Tips and advice
19 Sep 2024

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?

BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe treated to mid-life facelifts
BMW i4 facelift
News
24 Apr 2024

BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe treated to mid-life facelifts

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases the brand’s face of the future
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X static front quarter
News
21 Mar 2024

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases the brand’s face of the future

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV
Vauxhall Grandland front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024