BMW obtains DCAS approval for the driver-assistance system of the new iX3

BMW has just become one of the first European car manufacturers to obtain international DCAS approval for its driver-assistance system. As a result, the new iX3 will be cleared to integrate its driver assistant in a total of 60 countries, without the need to apply for individual approvals in each of them.

The DCAS regulation, approved last year by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), establishes a global legal framework for Level 2 driver-assistance systems. As we already know, these systems are able to keep the vehicle within its lane on the road and accelerate or brake in response to traffic conditions, although the driver always remains fully responsible for the vehicle, and is obliged to pay attention to the road at all times.

This new procedure was created with the aim of making life easier for vehicle manufacturers, who only need the approval of the regulatory authority of one of the adhering countries for the system to be certified in all of them. Among the signatory countries of this agreement are the 27 member states of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and South Africa, while the United States, Canada and China are left out.

Road trips taken to another level

The driver-assistance system of the new iX3 will allow the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel permanently as long as speeds do not exceed 130 km/h, but they must always keep their attention on the road so they can intervene at any moment if necessary, since this is a Level 2 assistant.

The system developed by BMW keeps the vehicle within its lane, performs automatic lane changes when necessary -requiring only the driver’s glance to confirm the manoeuvre- and adapts speed to traffic.

This assistant will not come as standard, however, but as a paid option under the Motorway & City Assistant package, priced at 1,450 euros. This package, as its name suggests, also includes the City Assistant, which in Germany will bring the vehicle to a stop at red traffic lights and move off again when the light turns green. BMW also plans to add more functions for urban use through future OTA software updates.

This package will be active for two years after purchase and will be renewed free of charge for another two years. After these four years, you will have to return to the shop BMW ConnectedDrive.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW iX32 versions · from 62,900 €