Daily Archives: July 29, 2017
BMW Electric Crossover To Feature Level 3 Autonomy
We don’t know what BMW’s upcoming electric crossover will be called, but what we do know is that it will arrive with a level 3 autonomy. So, whether or not it’s called the i5, iNext, or something else, the BMW electric crossover has the ability to bring the level 3 autonomy to fruition, which will revolutionize the auto industry.
The SAE International defines level 3 autonomy as “conditional automation.” Basically, it means the car can take over the whole driving mechanics and functions as long as the driver is in the car and ready to take command of the vehicle once required. Unlike level 1 or level 2 autonomy, the human driver can take his eyes off the road under level 3, as well as relax a bit because he doesn’t have to handle the steering wheel either.
The driver would be able to text, make a call, or even read a book under this level 3 autonomy. However, he will be alerted if he needs to intervene and take over the car. It will be the system’s responsibility to decide if it cannot function under the current conditions.
Kevin Marcotte, BMWi’s national manager in Canada, told InsideEVs that the German automaker’s use of level 3 autonomy in its electric crossover is the “next big thing for us in terms of leapfrogging the industry.” It will be a “major leap” for the autonomous driving technology.
For years, there have been rumors that the German automaker is working on a new electric vehicle—a crossover, some said. The reports about BMW’s use of level 3 autonomy means that any doubts can be put to rest. There is indeed an electric crossover from BMW and although we aren’t sure yet what it’s going to be called, we have a little tidbit in the form of level 3 autonomy.
BMW recently announced its shift to electronic vehicles, including that it’s calling the iNext that will introduce a number of new technologies. Apparently, that will be released in 2021 while the i8 roadster will debut next year. A Mini BEV is reportedly going to be launched in 2019 and the all-electric XBMW X3 will be unveiled in 2020.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Is It An SUV Or Something Else?
Rolls-Royce is coining a new term for a segment that falls somewhere between a crossover and an SUV. Called the High-Sided Vehicle, the Cullinan isn’t exactly an SUV, as Rolls pointed out. Instead, it’s a “lifted ride” with ample ground clearance, cabin space, and off-road capabilities.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was spotted while being tested at the Nurburgring, but we don’t exactly know what to call it because categorizing it under the SUV segment would madden car enthusiasts all over the world. And yet, it isn’t a crossover exactly since that would seriously disappoint luxury car dealers because a Rolls isn’t one for off-road tracks.
Still, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rolls is at least dabbling into developing a luxury SUV-like vehicle and sends it to the Nurburgring for testing. That makes sense. The HSV, as Rolls wants to call the Cullinan, can handle off-road challenges just like any other SUV. It would have a significant ground clearance as opposed to what we see on their luxury sedans, but it still wouldn’t be high enough to make it awkward for passengers to climb in it.
The Cullinan will be based on the platform used on the Phantom VIII, which many of you know uses a new aluminum spaceframe architecture that would make the luxury sedan lighter, stiffer, and somehow, more powerful.
For the powertrain, Rolls-Royce is planning to use BMW’s 6.75-liter V-12 engine in the Cullinan, though it’s quite possible the luxury automaker is also going to produce a plug-in hybrid variant in the future… just to make the Cullinan compliant to current eco-friendly standards.
The Cullinan is riding on an air suspension, much like the much awaited eight-generation Phantom. That would provide seamless driving experience for the driver and the passengers of this HSV.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is set to compete directly with the Bentley Bentayga once it pops in the scene sometime in 2018. No complete details have been revealed by Rolls so far.
