In the latest SUV concept, the steering wheel of BMW remains in place. And that's how it should be! According to the definition of levels of autonomous driving, the highest, 5th level, signifies full autonomy.
It means a scenario where a vehicle can move independently of the situation. It will not be equipped with a steering wheel or pedals. It will welcome passengers on board and automatically take them to their chosen destination. The vehicle will be able to move on its own.
For some, this is the path of demotorization, aiming to eliminate the risk of road accidents. If only vehicles controlled by predictable robots are moving on the roads, the risk of collisions will be reduced to zero.
Therefore, a person driven by emotions, tired, or angry will not pose any danger. And they will retain their free will, allowing them to make decisions and consciously break the rules.
This single correct path is the worst solution for those who do not see cars solely as a means of transportation. It is a bad decision for those for whom driving is a pleasure, not a necessity. And I hope that most of our readers share the same sentiments.
It seems that BMW's leadership is one of the opponents of such a solution, and the steering wheel in BMW will be preserved.
On the occasion of the presentation of the controversially styled concept SUV Vision iNext, Chief Development Officer Klaus Fröhlich assured that BMW cars will always have a steering wheel.
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The Bavarians assume that the iNext will meet the requirements of the 4th level of autonomy. This means that under certain road conditions, the driver can stop paying attention to the road.
Electronic control will take full control of the vehicle. However, usually, the driver will still be able to take control at any time. In most road situations, they will have to monitor what is happening with the vehicle and around it.
Fröhlich stated that BMW is not a robotic company but a car company.
That's why the BMW steering wheel is not going anywhere, so the driver can constantly enjoy the driving experience. And all driver assistants and autonomous functions will only be complements.
The head of development also added that the joy of driving does not always have to mean driving directly. Sometimes it's not about driving per se. Perhaps he meant, for example, congested city centers or highway driving on the freeway.
Considering that the lion's share of car accidents happens due to human error, it may make sense to take control of the vehicle under certain conditions. Perhaps special zones will be created in cities where only autonomous vehicles can enter.
But let's hope that there will still be places where the driver can drive the car themselves. And it's not just about racing tracks. Because sometimes there is nothing more pleasant than getting into your favorite car after a hard day and just cruising aimlessly.
