What is Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems?

Levels of Autonomous Driving Explained

With AI Technology advancing at a rapid pace, it’s inevitable that AI will soon dominate the automotive industry. As BMW rolls out level 3 autonomy technologies later this year, the next step after level 3 is, well, level 4 autonomous driving. But what is level 4 autonomous driving? In fact, what is Level 1 – 5 autonomous driving? Today at BMW of Owings Mills, we’ll go over all these AI terms and discuss what may lie in BMW’s technological future.

Level 1  Autonomy: Basic Driver Assistance

Level 1 autonomy is defined as Driver Assistance, and encompasses features that require human monitoring at all times. Level 1 is fairly common and most BMW vehicles already utilize level 1 autonomous features. BMW Level 1 autonomous driving can be seen through BMW Personal CoPilot. Level 1 CoPilto Features include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and  Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Brake Activation.

Level 2  Autonomy: Advanced Driver Assistance

Level 2 autonomy is defined as advanced driver assist systems, also known as ADAS. Level 2 autonomy features automatically adjust steering and power, but only with a driver within the vehicle. Level 2 autonomous BMW features include Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant.

Level 3  Autonomy: Conditional Driving Automation

Also known as Conditional Driving Automation, Level 3 autonomous vehicles can make and execute decisions by sensing the surrounding environment. A human driver should still be present to override or correct any errors. No vehicles currently have level 3 autonomy, but BMW is currently testing these features on their test vehicles.

Level 4  Autonomy: Fully Automated

At this point, vehicles can drive fully autonomously without the aid of a human driver. A human rider is still necessary to execute decisions, much like level 3, but can remain asleep for short periods of time. Level 4 autonomous vehicles may pull over into safer conditions if the driver ignores warnings and prompts.

Level 5  Autonomy: No Driver Necessary

At this point, vehicles can drive fully on their own without the need for human interaction. Like a futuristic taxi, riders don’t even need a license. Just hop in and let the vehicle do everything for you. Because visibility isn’t a concern, windshields, and cockpits may not even be featured in these vehicles. A game-changer when it comes to transportation, especially for people with physical disabilities.

Autonomous Driving: Concluding Thoughts

Regardless of what Elon Musk will have you believe, fully autonomous driving is still a ways away. Although technology is rapidly improving by the day, fully autonomous driving will require some time for tech to catch up. Even when we eventually develop the capabilities, various laws, regulations, and scrutinous safety tests will have to be changed and applied for a safe, fully autonomous infrastructure.

While you wait for the AI revolution, why not check out our latest BMW electric vehicles? We have plenty in stock here at BMW of Owings Mills, Maryland!