Autonomous driving technology is developing rapidly and the future of motoring is evolving. BMW has released a video explaining the 5 stages of autonomous driving, give it a watch!

Whether you like it or not, autonomous driving technology is shaping the future of motoring. Manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Ford, Tesla and others are heavily invested in ensuring that a fully autonomous future becomes reality. Sure, it will take several years before autonomous technology goes mainstream, but the evolution is already well under way with semi-autonomous assistance systems already being offered on a number of high-end products, such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class for example.

These vehicles offer Level 2 autonomy using stereo cameras and radar sensors to monitor the area surrounding the vehicle. Level 3 incorporates advanced sensors such as laser scanners, ultrasonic sensors and radar systems to produce a 360 degree model of the vehicle’s environment allowing for more complex driving manoeuvres to be calculated. Level 4 or fully automated driving, from 2021, will use more precise data from sensors and cameras, as well as real-time data from maps will further enhance autonomy. The final Stage 5, is where the driver finally becomes a passenger and driving skill is no longer required.

In the not-too-distant future, you may very well find yourself reading the morning newspaper while your car drives you to the office. Autonomous vehicles should be a common sight by 2030, and BMW says that the first fully autonomous pilot projects are expected to be conducted in selected cities as early as 2020.

For purists, it’s a depressing thought andwe suggest you savour every moment behind the wheel, while you still can.

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