Lyft and Aptiv join forces to offer autonomous rides during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
When we tested the 2017 BMW 530i last year, we marveled at how we could stand outside of it and use its smart key to make it back out of parking spots all by itself. As impressive as that was, it’s nothing compared to what Aptiv, a mobility company, and the Lyft ridesharing service have been able to do with a 5 Series.
According to Roadshow’s Andrew Krok in the above video, the two companies have teamed up to “offer rides across Las Vegas in a Level Four self-driving BMW” during the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It’s the perfect time to showcase not only a new technology, but future automotive advancements as the event has grown increasingly vehicle-oriented.
Technically, this publicity-generating form of mobility is not new to CES, but its scope this year is unprecedented. Krok adds, “Whereas last year they were contained to a singular drive loop, a very controlled environment, this one is a little more open. They’re going to 20 different destinations across Las Vegas so anything’s possible.” So true. We thought we had to wait for the future. Apparently, that’s not the case. The future is now.
A close look at the autonomous 5 reveals various Lidar and radar sensors. However, given how much equipment this Bimmer is packing, it’s surprisingly low-key. There’s no giant dish or antenna sprouting out of its roof.
Of course, Lyft and Aptiv are still erring on the side of caution, so their BMW still has a human driver. However, that person doesn’t really have to do much because the autonomous tech seems to do a great job of getting through Sin City without breaking any laws…or legs. The best part? Krok says, “I didn’t even have to tip the robot.”
Looking for a good deal on a new BMW? Get insider information here.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
