Ford launched its BlueCruise driver assistance system in 2021 on select vehicles, and now version 1.2 is in the mix. It’s a notable upgrade, as it adds the ability to change lanes hands-free. It’s one of the few systems currently available that officially announces such hands-off functionality, and it’s also coming in Lincoln’s version of the system, called ActiveGlide.
The system will launch in the fall of 2022, initially available on the 2023 Mustang Mach-E. Ford’s announcement does not further elaborate on availability for other vehicles, or mention the possibility of updates to existing vehicles running BlueCruise. In an email to Motor1.comA Ford spokesperson said updates are not yet available, but more information on Ford Power-Up and Lincoln Enhance software updates will be shared when those details become available.
We know that BlueCruise 1.2 brings more than just automated lane changes. Ford says the system feels more natural with better in-lane response to other vehicles, especially large vehicles in adjacent lanes. A predictive speed assist feature is designed to smoothly adjust gears as vehicles approach tighter turns. It also warns the driver of impending gear changes in such situations.
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As for the hands-free lane change functionality, it’s not entirely a hands-off process. Drivers don’t need to steer, but activating the system requires pressing the turn signal. It can also offer lane change recommendations to drivers.
“We are investing in our Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) team to constantly improve BlueCruise and ActiveGlide for our customers,” said Doug Field, director of electrical and digital systems for Ford’s Model e division. “The latest enhancements allow customers to command lane changes with a simple turn signal and make hands-free driving more humane by slowing smoothly for turns and giving larger vehicles more room in traffic jams. These improvements are just the start of a steady journey towards improving safety and, in the future, returning valuable time to customers.”
Ford says its BlueCruise system currently works on 130,000 miles of highways. 75,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners have signed up for the service, which became available this year for the Mustang Mach-E and F-150.
Ford launched its BlueCruise driver assistance system in 2021 on select vehicles, and now version 1.2 is in the mix. It’s a notable upgrade, as it adds the ability to change lanes hands-free. It’s one of the few systems currently available that officially announces such hands-off functionality, and it’s also coming in Lincoln’s version of the system, called ActiveGlide.
The system will launch in the fall of 2022, initially available on the 2023 Mustang Mach-E. Ford’s announcement does not further elaborate on availability for other vehicles, or mention the possibility of updates to existing vehicles running BlueCruise. In an email to Motor1.comA Ford spokesperson said updates are not yet available, but more information on Ford Power-Up and Lincoln Enhance software updates will be shared when those details become available.
We know that BlueCruise 1.2 brings more than just automated lane changes. Ford says the system feels more natural with better in-lane response to other vehicles, especially large vehicles in adjacent lanes. A predictive speed assist feature is designed to smoothly adjust gears as vehicles approach tighter turns. It also warns the driver of impending gear changes in such situations.
9 Pictures
As for the hands-free lane change functionality, it’s not entirely a hands-off process. Drivers don’t need to steer, but activating the system requires pressing the turn signal. It can also offer lane change recommendations to drivers.
“We are investing in our Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) team to constantly improve BlueCruise and ActiveGlide for our customers,” said Doug Field, director of electrical and digital systems for Ford’s Model e division. “The latest enhancements allow customers to command lane changes with a simple turn signal and make hands-free driving more humane by slowing smoothly for turns and giving larger vehicles more room in traffic jams. These improvements are just the start of a steady journey towards improving safety and, in the future, returning valuable time to customers.”
Ford says its BlueCruise system currently works on 130,000 miles of highways. 75,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners have signed up for the service, which became available this year for the Mustang Mach-E and F-150.