CNN —In the new BMW 5-series sedan, unveiled Wednesday by the German luxury automaker, drivers will be able to change lanes on the highway just by looking to the side.
The car’s optional Highway Assistant system allows drivers to go long distances on major highways without touching the steering wheel or pedals.
This sort of feature is now offered by a number of major automakers, but BMW adds this novel capability: Drivers will be able to change lanes just by looking at one of the outside mirrors.
Automated lane changes are possible in many similar systems but, ordinarily, the driver has to request it, or assent to the car’s suggestion for a lane change, by using the turn signal.
If the car has not, itself, suggested a lane change, the driver can still request one by tapping the turn signal stalk to indicate which side.
Organizations:
CNN, BMW, BMW i5