Do BMWs Have Adaptive Cruise Control? (The Ultimate Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Do BMWs Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance system that automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. It’s a popular feature on luxury cars, and BMW is no exception. In fact, BMW offers ACC on most of its models, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and X5.

ACC works by using a radar sensor to monitor the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. If the vehicle ahead of you slows down, ACC will automatically reduce your speed to maintain a safe distance. If the vehicle ahead of you speeds up, ACC will automatically increase your speed to match.

ACC can be a great way to reduce stress and fatigue on long road trips. It can also help you to avoid accidents by keeping you at a safe distance from other vehicles.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at BMW’s ACC system. We’ll discuss how it works, what features it offers, and how to use it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of ACC.

Model Year Adaptive Cruise Control
3 Series 2019 Available
5 Series 2019 Available
7 Series 2019 Available

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance system that automatically adjusts a vehicle’s speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead of it. It is also known as a collision mitigation system or intelligent cruise control. ACC can help drivers maintain a safe following distance, reduce traffic congestion, and improve fuel efficiency.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance system that automatically adjusts a vehicle’s speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead of it. It is also known as a collision mitigation system or intelligent cruise control. ACC can help drivers maintain a safe following distance, reduce traffic congestion, and improve fuel efficiency.

ACC systems use a combination of sensors to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. These sensors can include a radar, lidar, or camera. The system then uses this information to adjust the vehicle’s speed and brake as needed to maintain a safe following distance.

ACC systems can be either passive or active. Passive ACC systems only adjust the vehicle’s speed, while active ACC systems can also apply the brakes to prevent a collision.

How Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work?

ACC systems use a combination of sensors to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. These sensors can include a radar, lidar, or camera. The system then uses this information to adjust the vehicle’s speed and brake as needed to maintain a safe following distance.

Radar-based ACC systems use a radar sensor to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. The radar sensor is typically located in the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. The radar sensor sends out a radio wave that bounces off of objects in front of the vehicle. The reflected radio wave is then received by the radar sensor, and the system uses this information to calculate the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead.

Lidar-based ACC systems use a lidar sensor to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. The lidar sensor is typically located in the front of the vehicle, behind the windshield. The lidar sensor emits a laser beam that reflects off of objects in front of the vehicle. The reflected laser beam is then received by the lidar sensor, and the system uses this information to calculate the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead.

Camera-based ACC systems use a camera to monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. The camera is typically located in the front of the vehicle, behind the windshield. The camera tracks the movement of the vehicle ahead, and the system uses this information to calculate the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead.

How to Use Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance system that can help you maintain a safe following distance, reduce traffic congestion, and improve fuel efficiency. However, it is important to understand how to use ACC properly in order to get the most benefit from it.

To use ACC, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the ACC system. The ACC system is typically located on the steering wheel or center console.
2. Set the desired speed. You can set the desired speed using the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
3. Select the desired following distance. You can select the desired following distance using the ACC system settings.

Once you have set the desired speed and following distance, the ACC system will automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Advantages of Adaptive Cruise Control

There are a number of advantages to using adaptive cruise control (ACC). These include:

  • Increased safety: ACC can help you maintain a safe following distance, which can reduce the risk of a rear-end collision.
  • Reduced traffic congestion: ACC can help you to smoothly follow the flow of traffic, which can reduce traffic congestion.
  • Improved fuel efficiency: ACC can help you to improve your fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Disadvantages of Adaptive Cruise Control

There are a few disadvantages to using adaptive cruise control (ACC). These include:

  • Cost: ACC systems can be expensive, especially if they are equipped with additional features such as lane-keeping assist or automatic emergency braking.
  • Complexity: ACC systems can be complex to operate, and it is important to understand how to use them properly in order to get the most benefit from them.
  • Inconvenience: ACC systems can sometimes be inconvenient, especially if you need to make a sudden lane change or stop.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance system

Do BMWs Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

Yes, BMWs have adaptive cruise control (ACC). ACC is a driver-assistance system that automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It is designed to make driving more comfortable and less stressful, especially on long road trips.

ACC works by using a radar sensor to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead. The system then uses this information to adjust the vehicle’s speed so that it maintains a safe following distance. ACC can also be used to maintain a constant speed, even when the traffic is stop-and-go.

ACC is available on most BMW models, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5, and X7. It is also available on some of BMW’s plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, such as the BMW i3 and i8.

How Does BMW Adaptive Cruise Control Work?

BMW’s ACC system uses a radar sensor to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead. The system then uses this information to adjust the vehicle’s speed so that it maintains a safe following distance. ACC can also be used to maintain a constant speed, even when the traffic is stop-and-go.

The ACC system is activated by a button on the steering wheel. Once activated, the system will automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance. The driver can also override the system by pressing on the accelerator or brake pedal.

ACC can be used in a variety of driving conditions, including on the highway, in stop-and-go traffic, and on winding roads. The system is designed to make driving more comfortable and less stressful, especially on long road trips.

What are the Benefits of BMW Adaptive Cruise Control?

There are a number of benefits to using BMW’s ACC system, including:

  • Increased comfort: ACC can help to make driving more comfortable by taking the stress out of maintaining a safe following distance.
  • Reduced stress: ACC can help to reduce stress by taking the guesswork out of driving in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Improved safety: ACC can help to improve safety by preventing rear-end collisions.
  • Increased fuel efficiency: ACC can help to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the need for the driver to brake and accelerate frequently.

Which BMW Models Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

As of 2023, all BMW models except the i3 and i8 come standard with adaptive cruise control. The system is available as an option on the i3 and i8.

The following is a list of BMW models that come standard with ACC:

  • 3 Series
  • 4 Series
  • 5 Series
  • 6 Series
  • 7 Series
  • X1
  • X2
  • X3
  • X4
  • X5
  • X6
  • X7

The following is a list of BMW models that offer ACC as an option:

  • i3
  • i8

How to Use BMW Adaptive Cruise Control

To use BMW’s ACC system, follow these steps:

1. Press the ACC button on the steering wheel.
2. Set the desired speed.
3. The system will automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance.

The driver can override the system by pressing on the accelerator or brake pedal.

BMW’s adaptive cruise control is a valuable driver-assistance system that can make driving more comfortable, less stressful, and safer. The system is available on most BMW models, and it is a worthwhile option for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.

Do BMWs have adaptive cruise control?

Yes, BMWs have adaptive cruise control (ACC) as an available option. ACC uses radar sensors to maintain a set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. It can also adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic.

How does adaptive cruise control work?

ACC works by using radar sensors to monitor the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If the distance decreases too much, ACC will automatically apply the brakes to maintain a safe following distance. If the vehicle in front of you speeds up, ACC will accelerate your vehicle to match its speed.

What are the benefits of adaptive cruise control?

ACC can help you to:

  • Drive more safely by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions
  • Reduce stress and fatigue by taking the burden of maintaining a safe following distance off of you
  • Improve fuel efficiency by allowing your vehicle to coast in traffic

What are the disadvantages of adaptive cruise control?

ACC can have some disadvantages, including:

  • It can be expensive to purchase as an option
  • It can be difficult to use in stop-and-go traffic
  • It can be distracting if you are not paying attention to the road

Is adaptive cruise control worth it?

Whether or not adaptive cruise control is worth it is a personal decision. For some drivers, the benefits of ACC outweigh the disadvantages. For others, the cost and complexity of ACC may not be worth it.

If you are considering purchasing a BMW with ACC, it is important to test drive the vehicle and try out the ACC system to see if it is something that you would find useful.

BMW does offer adaptive cruise control on some of its vehicles. This feature can be a valuable safety and convenience addition, especially for long road trips. However, it is important to note that adaptive cruise control is not a substitute for attentive driving, and drivers should always be prepared to take over control of the vehicle.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.