“Automatic pilot” options in cars that are soon offered to the largest number? The first European manufacturer Volkswagen and the Bosch team manufacturer announced 2026 to finish their autonomous driving technology also accessible for entry level models.
The two German groups are developing a “software battery” based on artificial intelligence, “ready to be used in production projects since mid -2026,” they said in a statement published on Monday, August 11.
This “Level 2+” solution, which authorizes the driver to temporarily release the steering wheel while remains vigilant, will be reserved first for the road. A level 3 technology is also planned, the vehicle only in certain specific situations and allows the driver to no longer monitor the road, it is also planned, but without calendar for the moment.
In Germany, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have already sold autonomous level 3 driving systems, invoiced around 6,000 euros in their high-end models, the 7 and class S. series in the markets where this function is available, the latter can be closed from spring from 2025 to 95 km/h.
Autonomous driving for the general public
But for Volkswagen and Bosch, it is about putting the autonomous driving “available for millions of drivers, from the consumer segment to the Premium segment,” said the press release, without revealing prices.
Technology will not immediately applicable on the road. First it is intended to integrate into future models of the Volkswagen Group built with the future SDV software architecture developed with the American Rivian, which is expected since 2027, a manufacturer spokesman said to AFP. First it could equip identification.1, VW City’s small car promised around 20,000 euros by 2027.
In case of delay in Volkswagen, autonomous driving technology could be marketed upstream for other manufacturers, according to an internal source in Bosch.
Run in 2022, the Association aims to boost the two manufacturers in the autonomous driving career, facing companies that have invested a lot in this area such as Americans Tesla and Waymo (Google).
For its part, the Stellantis group had announced last February that it would soon offer cars equipped with a level 3 system of up to 60 km/h under certain conditions.
Source: BFM TV
