BMW's Neue Klasse marks a significant upgrade in active safety features, introducing advanced systems across various models while redefining the driving experience.
The recent launch of BMW's Neue Klasse signifies not only a new model lineup but also the introduction of expanded active safety assistance systems that will be offered as standard across multiple series. This initiative represents BMW's commitment to redefining its brand identity, with the upcoming BMW iX3 leading the charge in this new generation of vehicles.
According to BMW Group's official communications, the Neue Klasse is positioned as the dawn of a new era in individual mobility for the automaker. It seeks to address evolving consumer expectations, particularly in the realms of safety and technology.
During its introduction at the 2023 IAA Munich, the concept car, named Vision Neue Klasse, was highlighted as a next-generation model with ambitions for market readiness by 2025. Oliver Zipse, the former BMW AG Board of Management chairman, stated that this concept car is crucial for ushering in a transformative period for the brand.
Expanded Safety Features
A key focus of the new initiative is the expansion of BMW's active safety assistance features. A recent press release outlines a variety of systems designed to enhance driver safety, parking, and vehicle exit scenarios.
These features now include an exit warning with an active door-opening delay mechanism meant to curb “dooring accidents”—incidents where a car door is opened into traffic and poses risks to cyclists, among others.
The iX3, the first production vehicle under the Neue Klasse banner, alongside the forthcoming i3, X5, and 7 Series, incorporates these technologies. BMW emphasizes the integration of a new central system, referred to as the “Superbrain of Automated Driving,” which boasts approximately 20 times the computational power of its predecessor. This central unit manages active safety, automated driving, and parking functions, fostering a more sophisticated driving experience.
While exit warnings have previously been a standard feature in many models, their capabilities have been enhanced. The new system utilizes side radars to constantly survey the area around the vehicle while parked, detecting incoming threats. If a potential collision is detected, the system delays door opening until it is safe to do so.
A Cooperative System
Mihiar Ayoubi, BMW Group’s senior vice president of driving experience development, noted that the broad rollout of these features reflects the brand’s “Smart, Symbiotic, Safe” philosophy. This approach fosters a cooperative relationship between the driver and assistance systems, positioning them as unobtrusive yet effective safety companions.
The impact of these active safety features is reinforced by data from BMW’s connected vehicle fleet, which evaluated safety system performance over 1.6 billion kilometers in just one month across Europe. During this period, drivers received alerts about potential collisions approximately 8 million times, and intervention features resulted in nearly 244,000 instances of steering or braking support to avoid incidents.
Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies
BMW has also unveiled its “Symbiotic Drive” technology, offering an intuitive partnership between the vehicle and driver. This system enhances usability by interpreting steering inputs and gaze direction to determine when to activate assistance features, thereby intervening only when necessary. For instance, the Lane Keeping Assistant provides warnings and corrections only following unintended lane departures or imminent collisions.
The implementation of innovations in active safety assistance continues with several additional features:
- Emergency Steering Intervention: This feature actively steers around obstacles while maintaining lane discipline, beneficial in situations where pedestrians or cyclists may be unexpectedly detected.
- Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasive Steering Support: It automatically engages brakes when a potential head-on collision is imminent, incorporating advanced sensor technology to address various collision scenarios.
- Road Priority Warning: This system displays relevant traffic signs directly within the driver’s line of sight and includes warnings for crosswalks.
- Attentiveness Assistant with Emergency Stop: The vehicle can take control in the event of a medical emergency by bringing the vehicle to a halt safely.
- Active Park Distance Control: Utilizing ultra-sonic sensors, this system can effectively mitigate collision risk when parking.
BMW's commitment to continual improvement in safety and user experience is evident in its refined emergency braking and monitoring functionalities, backed by new-generation sensors and an enhanced display. The BMW Operating System X provides detailed visualizations of driving conditions, supporting both situational awareness and comprehension of active safety interventions.
Testing Infrastructure and Development
Further underscoring BMW's commitment to safety innovation is the Future Mobility Development Center (FMDC) located in Sokolov, Czech Republic, which opened in 2023. This facility is notable as the company’s largest test ground globally, featuring 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) of tracks designed for various driving scenarios, from urban environments to complex parking maneuvers.
A comprehensive blend of real-world testing and digital simulations enhances BMW's efforts in developing these active safety systems. The objective remains clear: to advance road safety and solidify consumer trust as it embraces this new chapter in automotive innovation.
All images provided by BMW Group
