BMW launches head unit for L2 automated driving with here HD live map

The BMW 7 Series will be the first BMW series production vehicle to use the Here HD Live Map for hands-free driving, following the BMW decision to use Here’s high-definition map that enables hands-free driving in the USA and Canada. Here states it is one of the first companies to provide high-definition maps for Level 2+ automated driving capabilities in series production vehicles.

The BMW 7 Series is the premium auto maker’s first production vehicle to launch with SAE Level 2+ automated functionalities at a maximum speed of 80mph (130km/h). This function enables hands-free driving on interstates and highways, provided drivers remain focused and ready to take control. The Here HD Live Map will be integrated into additional BMW models as automated driving capabilities increase across vehicles, roadways and regions.

The Here HD Live Map consists of rich, highly accurate and fresh layers of data to support the vehicle in knowing exactly where it is on the road and what road features lie ahead. The lane-level data serves as a redundant source of information to the onboard sensors, providing additional safety assurances for the system. Here HD Live Map helps a vehicle to proactively adjust its behavior to upcoming road characteristics.

“A digital HD map is essential for highly automated driving. Here HD Live Map is rich and reliable: it provides road geometry, route profile and traffic signs – all on a global scale,” said Dr Nicolai Martin, senior VP, development automated driving at BMW . “We have been working with Here for many years to bring highly automated driving to market, and we are now thrilled to see the result of our collaboration finally come to life. Together, we are going one step further in delivering on our promise to provide a superior driving experience.”

“We’re delighted to see our Here HD Live Map enable automated driving at Level 2+ for BMW series production vehicles. This collaboration demonstrates the value of maps for highly automated driving. We look forward to supporting the expansion of Level 2+ to all types of roads, everywhere in the world,” said Fred Hessabi, executive VP and chief customer officer at Here Technologies.

BMW 7 Series utilizes Predictive Routing and Here Real-Time Traffic

The BMW 7 Series is also the first vehicle to deploy Here Predictive Routing, a cloud-based routing functionality that learns individual driving patterns to propose more personalized journeys. In addition, the BMW 7 Series uses Here Real-Time Traffic across 70 countries. The service delivers drivers detailed information on traffic congestion with lane-level precision and potential road hazards ahead, with auto re-routing capabilities, helping drivers stay safe and save time.