BMW has become one of the first European automakers to gain approval under the new Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS) regulation, allowing it to offer its motorway assistant for the iX3 electric SUV in up to 60 countries without separate national approvals.
The DCAS regulation, introduced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), establishes an international legal framework for Level 2 driver assistance systems — technologies that continuously assist in steering and speed control but require drivers to remain alert and ready to intervene.
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Once approved by a single regulatory authority, these systems can be deployed across all signatory countries, including the EU, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey, and South Africa. The United States, Canada, and China are not part of the agreement.
BMW’s Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving on highways at speeds of up to 130 km/h, managing lane-keeping and performing automatic lane changes with driver confirmation through a simple glance. The feature is offered as part of the optional ‘Motorway & City Assistant’ package for 1,450 euros, which also includes City Assistant — capable of stopping at red lights and resuming automatically when available in Germany. Future updates will expand the system’s capabilities through over-the-air software upgrades.
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Initially, Motorway Assistant will be available in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, while City Assistant will launch exclusively in Germany. The optional package is valid for two years after purchase, with a free two-year extension available, after which customers can renew through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
BMW’s DCAS approval represents a significant milestone in harmonizing global safety standards for semi-automated driving systems, streamlining international rollout and accelerating the adoption of assisted driving technologies across key automotive markets.