BMW Chooses HERE Technologies' High-Definition map to Enable Hands-Free Driving in North America

BMW Group is utilising HERE Technologies' high-definition map to enable hands-free driving in the US and Canada. HERE is one of the world’s first companies to provide high-definition maps for Level 2+ automated driving capabilities in series production vehicles.

The BMW 7 Series is the premium automaker’s first production vehicle to launch with SAE Level 2+ automated functionalities at a maximum speed of 80 mph / 130 km/h.

This function enables hands-free driving on interstates and highways, provided drivers remain focused and ready to take control. 

The HERE HD Live Map will be integrated into additional BMW models as automated driving capabilities increase across vehicles, roadways and regions.

The BMW 7 Series is also the first vehicle to deploy HERE Predictive Routing, a cloud-based routing functionality that learns individual driving patterns to propose more personalised journeys.

The HERE HD Live Map consists of rich, highly accurate and fresh layers of data to support the vehicle in knowing exactly where it is on the road and what road features lie ahead.

It helps a vehicle to proactively adjust its behavior to upcoming road characteristics. 

This new announcement is the result of a long-standing collaboration between BMW and HERE on next-generation mapping capabilities.

Dr. Nicolai Martin, Senior Vice President Development Automated Driving at BMW Group, says: “A digital HD map is essential for highly automated driving. HERE HD Live Map is rich and reliable: it provides road geometry, route profile and traffic signs – all on a global scale. We have been working with HERE for many years to bring highly automated driving to market, and we are now thrilled to see the result of our collaboration finally come to life. Together, we are going one step further in delivering on our promise to provide a superior driving experience.”

“We’re delighted to see our HERE HD Live Map enable automated driving at Level 2+ for BMW series production vehicles. This collaboration demonstrates the value of maps for highly automated driving. We look forward to supporting the expansion of Level 2+ to all types of roads, everywhere in the world,” adds Fred Hessabi, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies.

HERE is a leading location data and technology platform that moves people, businesses and cities forward by harnessing the power of location.