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BMW is renowned for their high-quality cars and cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry.
As such, they offer a range of driving assistance systems designed to make life behind the wheel easier and safer.
The two most popular options are the BMW Driving Assistant and the BMW Driving Assistant Plus.
Both systems are designed to help drivers in different ways, from reducing fatigue to improving safety on the road.
However, there are a number of key differences between these two systems.
This article clarifies the best option for you between the BMW Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus.
BMW Driving Assistant
The BMW Driving Assistant is a standard feature on many BMW vehicles. It offers drivers a range of features to help improve their driving experience.
Some of the key features of the BMW Driving Assistant include:
- Lane Departure Warning: This feature is designed to alert drivers when their vehicle begins to veer out of its lane. It, thus, reduces the risk of accidents caused by lane departure.
- Forward Collision Warning: This system uses radar to detect if a collision with the vehicle in front is imminent. Consequently, it provides an audible and visual warning to the driver.
- Pedestrian Detection: This system uses cameras and radar to detect pedestrians on the road. It gives an audible and visual warning to the driver if they are at risk of colliding with them.
BMW Driving Assistant Plus
The BMW Driving Assistant Plus is an optional upgrade from the standard Driving Assistant.
Hence, it offers a much more advanced suite of features. Some of the key features of the BMW Driving Assistant Plus include:
- Active Cruise Control: This system uses radar to automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Keeping Assistance: This system uses cameras and radar to actively steer the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to veer out of control.
- Emergency Stop Assistant: This system can detect if the driver has a medical emergency while driving. It will automatically bring the vehicle to a stop and call emergency services.
Key Differences Between BMW Driving Assistant and BMW Driving Assistant Plus
Both systems offer a range of features to help drivers navigate the roads with greater ease and confidence.
However, there are some key differences between them. Some of the most important differences include:
Active Lane Keeping Assistance
This feature helps keep a vehicle within its lane on the road.
In the Driving Assistant Plus, the Active Lane Keeping Assistance feature uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead.
It detects if the vehicle is starting to drift out of its lane. If the system detects a potential lane departure, it will issue a warning to the driver.
Whenever necessary, it will automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane. This helps to prevent accidents and improve road safety.
This comes in handy especially on long journeys or when driving on roads with many lane changes.
On the other hand, the BMW Driving Assistant only features Lane Departure Warning.
This feature only alerts the driver if the vehicle is starting to drift out of its lane. It does not actively steer the vehicle back into the lane.
The driver must manually steer the vehicle back into the lane. Consequently, there is a higher risk of an accident if the driver does not respond in time.
Generally, the Driving Assistant Plus offers a more comprehensive solution for lane departure assistance, with the ability to both issue warnings and actively steer the vehicle back into its lane.
Evasion Aid
This feature helps the driver to steer around an obstacle if the system detects an imminent collision.
The Evasion Aid feature is designed to help drivers avoid potential collisions by providing assistance in evasive maneuvers.
This feature is available in the BMW Driving Assistant Plus, but not in the BMW Driving Assistant.
In the Driving Assistant Plus, the Evasion Aid feature uses cameras and sensors to detect potential collisions.
If necessary, it will automatically steer the vehicle to avoid the collision.
This feature is especially useful in emergency situations when the driver may not have enough time to react.
The Driving Assistant does not have the Evasion Aid feature. So, the driver must rely solely on their own abilities to avoid collisions. This can increase the risk of an accident.
The Driving Assistant Plus offers advanced safety compared to the Driving Assistant.
Speed Limit Info
This feature is designed to provide drivers with information about the speed limit of the road they are driving on.
It is available in both the BMW Driving Assistant and the Driving Assistant Plus. However, the feature is presented differently in the two cars.
In the BMW Driving Assistant, the Speed Limit Info feature uses a camera to read road signs. It shows the current speed limit on the vehicle’s display.
This information helps drivers to stay within the speed limit and avoid getting a speeding ticket.
In the Driving Assistant Plus, the Speed Limit Info feature is enhanced with additional technologies.
It uses GPS data and map data to provide drivers with more accurate information about the speed limit.
Additionally, the Driving Assistant Plus can use this information to adjust the vehicle’s cruise control system. This way, it maintains a safe speed within the speed limit.
Toll Booth Recognition
The toll booth recognition is a feature that is designed to make driving through toll booths more convenient and efficient.
This feature is available in the BMW Driving Assistant Plus, but not in the BMW Driving Assistant.
In the Driving Assistant Plus, the Toll Booth Recognition feature uses cameras and sensors to recognize toll booths.
It automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to make it easier to drive through toll booths.
This feature eliminates the need for the driver to manually adjust their speed or change lanes.
The BMW Driving Assistant, on the other hand, does not feature the Toll Booth Recognition feature.
This means that the driver must manually adjust their speed and lane position when driving through toll booths.
The Toll Booth Recognition feature is a key difference between the BMW Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus.
Advanced Pedestrian Detection
The Driving Assistant Plus features advanced pedestrian detection, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
It issues warnings to the driver about those surrounding the vehicle.
The Driving Assistant only has basic pedestrian detection.
Cost
The BMW Driving Assistant Plus is an optional upgrade from the standard Driving Assistant. As such, it is typically more expensive and starts at £35.00 for a month.
Compatibility
The Driving Assistant Plus is only available on certain BMW vehicles.
It is, therefore, important to check whether it is available on your specific model before making a purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Driving Assistant is a standard feature on many BMW vehicles, the Driving Assistant Plus is an optional upgrade.
It offers a much more comprehensive suite of features.
While both assistant features offer a range of advanced driver assistance abilities, the Driving Assistant Plus is the more comprehensive option.
It provides additional safety and convenience features. Whether you are a seasoned driver or just starting out, the BMW Driving Assistant Plus will help you navigate the roads.
This results in greater ease, confidence, and safety.
James has been a car enthusiast since his childhood when he learned the differences between a ford and a chevy from his father. He loves to drive and restore old cars with a special drive for Italian marvels. Currently, he has a 1968 Alfa Romeo. He has studied aeronautics and civil aviation in his college and still gets smitten by Galant SS and Lancer GSR.
He is a New York-based product training director working with a giant automotive retailer. He loves to review and uncover the vehicles and their fascinating stories. He believes in keeping it legitimate with a keen passion for research on the latest technological upgrades in cars. While reading his articles or blogs, you can sense the extensive research and dedication backing the piece of text. He loves fried chicken, music, and spending quality time with his pet dog.
