What Is BMW Driving Assistant Plus?

BMW's Driving Assistant Plus is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package designed to make driving easier and safer. It combines several camera- and radar-based systems that help with automatically controlling speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and assisting in keeping the vehicle in its lane. While the system supports some level of semi-automated driving, the driver is always expected to stay alert and keep their hands on the steering wheel.

The Main Functions of Driving Assistant Plus - Find the best BMW deals!

There are four main components of Driving Assistant Plus:

• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go: this system automatically slows the vehicle down—and even brings it to a complete stop—based on traffic conditions, while keeping a set distance from the car ahead. When traffic resumes, the vehicle starts moving again.
• Speed Limit Assistant: Using onboard cameras and sensors, the vehicle can detect changes in posted speed limits. The driver can easily adjust the cruise control to the new speed by pressing the "Set" button on the steering wheel.
• Lane Keep Assistant: This lane keeping assistance system prevents accidental lane drifting. The system alerts the driver with vibrations in the steering wheel, and if that is not enough, the vehicle will gently steer itself back to the center of the lane.
• Steering Assistant: More advanced than the lane-keeping system, this feature uses both the lane lines and the vehicle ahead to help the car stay centered in its lane. It provides an auditory warning to prompt the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

How It Works - Find the best BMW deals!

The Driving Assistant Plus system uses a combination of camera and radar sensors to monitor lane lines and traffic ahead. There are two main modes of operation:

• "Keep Distance" mode: Activates Active Cruise Control with the Stop & Go feature only.
• "Assisted Driving" mode: Combines Active Cruise Control with Steering Assistant to provide both longitudinal (speed/distance) and lateral (steering/lane) assistance.

The driver switches between these modes using a steering wheel button. However, the driver should constantly monitor traffic and road conditions and be ready to take control at any moment.

Safety Features and Driver Monitoring - Find the best BMW deals!

Driving Assistant Plus has a driver monitoring system with capacitive sensors in the steering wheel. This system reminds and encourages the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and stay attentive. If the system detects inattentive behavior, visual and sound warnings can prompt the driver to take control.

Compatibility and Availability - Find the best BMW deals!

Driving Assistant Plus is available throughout the BMW lineup, depending on each model's specific hardware setup. To verify the details for a particular vehicle, prospective customers are directed to the BMW's Connected Drive store via their MyBMW website.

Summary - Find the best BMW deals!

BMW's Driving Assistant Plus combines several key ADAS features into one comprehensive system. For the driver, it offers more comfort and less stress on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic—all while maintaining safe driving as the primary goal.

Visit the Shopping Guides section of the website to learn more about different automotive technologies.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek, and her work has appeared on Autotrader.

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