The 2023 7-Series has been spied testing on a handful of occasions in recent months and will apparently be previewed by a concept in the coming months. It will feature some controversial styling updates and will use a Level 3 self-driving system. BMW director of development Frank Weber confirmed the use of such a system while recently speaking with Forbes. “Level 3 you will see from us in the 7 Series next year,” Weber said. “It’s a function you can buy. It will be ready to go at the launch of the 7 Series.”
Level 3 autonomous driving systems allow a
vehicle to drive itself under limited conditions, but the driver will still
have to be ready to take over when necessary. Weber added that other BMW
models, including the X5, X7, 5-Series, and all-electric iX will also receive
the Level 3 system.
However, while the new 7-Series will have
all of the technology required of a Level 3 system next year, legislation in
the U.S. means that it won’t actually be available to local buyers. In Europe,
Level 3 regulation has already been established that puts the liability of
crashes on the insurance of automakers themselves (or their insurance
underwriters), but different regulations around the world will prevent car
manufacturers from claiming Level 3 status for the time being, Weber said.
