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Testing the 2019 BMW X7’s Hands-Free Driving Mode: Real-World Impressions
BMW Extended Traffic Jam Assistant vs. GM Super Cruise: The Hands-Free Driving Showdown
Featured Snippet: BMW's Extended Traffic Jam Assistant and GM's Super Cruise represent the current pinnacle of hands-free driving technology in production vehicles. While Super Cruise operates at highway speeds up to 85 mph, BMW's system is limited to 40 mph in heavy traffic. Both use driver-monitoring cameras but differ significantly in operational parameters and user experience.
The Evolution of Hands-Free Driving Systems
The automotive industry's march toward autonomous driving has produced two significant semi-autonomous systems: General Motors' Super Cruise and BMW's Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (ETJA). These technologies represent the most advanced driver assistance systems currently available to consumers, though with markedly different approaches to hands-free operation.
GM debuted Super Cruise in the 2018 Cadillac CT6, with plans to expand it across other models. BMW countered with ETJA in the 2019 3 Series, 8 Series, X5, and X7 models. Both systems maintain rigorous driver monitoring but differ substantially in their operational capabilities and limitations.
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System Capabilities and Limitations
BMW Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
BMW's ETJA operates under strict parameters that significantly limit its usability:
- Maximum speed of 40 mph (64 km/h)
- Requires clearly marked highway lanes with physical barriers
- Needs a lead vehicle to follow
- Functions only during daylight hours with good visibility
- Uses a driver-facing camera to monitor attention
GM Super Cruise
GM's system offers broader operational capabilities:
- Functions at highway speeds up to 85 mph (137 km/h)
- Works on over 200,000 miles of pre-mapped highways in North America
- Doesn't require a lead vehicle for operation
- Available day or night (with some reduced functionality in darkness)
- Features a steering column-mounted driver attention camera
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Real-World Performance Comparison
BMW ETJA Strengths
- Superior lane-centering precision in optimal conditions
- Smooth acceleration and deceleration in traffic
- Effective driver monitoring (when properly positioned)
- Works with polarized sunglasses
BMW ETJA Weaknesses
- Frustratingly limited activation window
- Frequent unexplained deactivations
- Steering wheel position can block driver camera
- Confusing interface and status indicators
Activation Challenges
Multiple testers reported significant difficulties activating BMW's system. The brief availability window and complex activation sequence proved particularly problematic in real-world driving conditions. Unlike Super Cruise's more intuitive engagement process, ETJA requires precise timing and quick reactions to activate when conditions permit.
Driver Monitoring Differences
The placement of driver-monitoring cameras creates notable usability differences. BMW's instrument cluster-mounted camera can be blocked by the steering wheel rim in certain positions, while GM's steering column-mounted camera adjusts with wheel movement, maintaining consistent monitoring regardless of driving position.
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Safety Considerations and Driver Responsibility
Both systems maintain that the driver bears ultimate responsibility for vehicle control. This becomes particularly evident when systems disengage unexpectedly or fail to recognize certain road conditions. Our testing revealed multiple instances where immediate driver intervention was necessary to maintain safety.
Common Intervention Scenarios
- Sudden merges by other vehicles
- Unclear lane markings in construction zones
- System confusion at highway interchanges
- Overly aggressive braking in slowing traffic
- Failure to recognize stopped vehicles in some conditions
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The Future of Hands-Free Driving Technology
As these systems evolve, several key developments are expected:
| Feature | Current Generation | Next-Generation Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Speed | 40 mph (BMW) / 85 mph (GM) | Full highway speed capability |
| Road Type Support | Limited-access highways only | Secondary roads and urban environments |
| Driver Monitoring | Camera-based attention tracking | Multi-modal biometric monitoring |
| System Availability | Limited model availability | Wider deployment across vehicle classes |
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Expert Recommendations
For consumers considering vehicles with these systems, we recommend:
- Test thoroughly before purchase: Ensure the system meets your expectations and driving patterns
- Understand the limitations: These are driver assistance systems, not autonomous solutions
- Consider your commute: Super Cruise may be more useful for highway drivers, while ETJA targets urban traffic
- Stay informed: These systems receive periodic updates that may improve functionality
As the technology matures, we expect to see broader capabilities and more intuitive interfaces. However, current implementations still require significant driver engagement and understanding of system limitations.
motorverorachael
Last Updated On Apr, 16-2025