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For an extra $700 to $1000, BMW drivers can add the Driving Assistance Package (called Active Driving Assistant) to their BMW if it doesn’t come standard with the vehicle. However, owners of BMWs with this package should consider upgrading to the BMW Driving Assistance Professional Package for added protection.

In general, BMWs are high-quality vehicles known for their safety systems. Certain models, such as the

BMW X1

, the

, and the

3 Series

, received five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA in 2022. The

2 Series

, the

Gran Coupe

, and the 3 Series were named Top Safety Picks by IIHS in 2022.

Drivers interested in improving their BMW’s safety even further should consider purchasing the BMW Driving Assistance Package, which will outfit their vehicle with a suite of high-tech driver safety and assistance technologies.

Here’s what you should know about the driver assistance package before deciding on whether to invest in it.

MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?

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What is the BMW Driving Assistance Package?

The BMW Driving Assistance Package (called Active Driving Assistant) is an optional driver safety package for BMWs that don’t come standard with the included features.

Certain BMWs, such as the

BMW X5

, come standard with this package, but can be upgraded to the BMW Driving Assistance Professional Package for added safety and protection.

What’s included

The BMW Driving Assistance Package includes six key features to make your driving experience safer and more convenient:

Blind-spot detection

Lane-departure warning

Frontal-collision warning

Pedestrian warning with braking

City collision mitigation with braking

Rear cross-traffic alert

What it does

The BMW driver assistance package’s six different features all work together towards one goal—to help the driver avoid a collision.

Its forward-collision monitors keep watch for potential obstacles in front of your vehicle, and can even detect when a pedestrian is in your car’s path. Automatic emergency brakes will engage to stop or slow your car if you don’t apply the brakes yourself, reducing the chances of hitting whatever is in front of you.

For safety reasons, emergency braking will only engage at lower city driving speeds, so drivers must stay alert for potential obstacles on the highway.

Blind-spot detection lets you know when a car is in your blind spot with visual and auditory warnings if you’ve indicated that you plan to change lanes.

Lane-departure warning operates to notify the driver if they’re drifting outside of the lane without using the turn signal at high speeds.

Finally, the Driving Assistance Package will let you know if traffic is approaching the side of your car, like when you’re reversing out of a parking space.

Each feature works together to warn you of any potential danger, whether you’re in drive or reverse.

How much is a 2023 BMW Driving Assistance Package?

If you drive a BMW that doesn’t include this package as standard, it’s a pretty affordable upgrade to vastly improve your car’s safety features. Depending on your model, purchasing this package will only set you back about $700 to $1000.

MORE: BMW buying guide

Is the BMW Driving Assistance Package worth it?

If you’re purchasing a BMW that isn’t already equipped with this package as a standard feature, upgrading to the Driving Assistance Package is definitely worth it.

For just an extra $700 to $1000, you’re getting top-of-the-line driver assistance features that will make your commute considerably safer—and could even lower your

car insurance

premium.

However, if you’re purchasing a BMW that already comes with the BMW Active Driving Assistant Package, you may consider upgrading to the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which costs an extra $1700. Let’s have a closer look at how these two packages stack up.

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BMW Driving Assistance Package vs. BMW Driving Assistance Professional Package

BMWs that already come equipped with the BMW Driving Assistance Package can upgrade to the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which might be worth the upgrade depending on your driving habits and how often you drive.

For an additional $1700, the Professional Package includes these additional features to beef up your BMW’s safety:

Adaptive cruise control

Active collision avoidance

Front cross-traffic warning

Active Driving Assistant Pro

Adaptive cruise control changes your car’s speed depending on how fast the car in front of you is going to maintain a safe distance at all times. This feature is equipped with stop-and-go technology to prevent collisions in case of sudden braking in front of you.

Active collision avoidance uses sensors at the front and sides of your car to warn you of potential collisions and automatically brakes when you don’t respond.

However, the most impressive feature of the Professional Package is BMW’s Active Driving Assistant Pro, which equips your car with semi-autonomous vehicle aids. These aids include centering lane assistance while you’re on cruise control, self-steering when the car is moving at speeds under 40 mph, and even an evasion assistance system.

Last but not least, the Active Driving Assistant Pro has an automatic emergency stop system that will brake and safely de-accelerate the vehicle after the driver has become unresponsive due to an emergency medical problem.

Overall, the Driving Assistance Professional Package makes your drives that much safer with its suite of advanced safety features. Considering the upgrade price, this package is likely worth your money if you drive every day, especially during rush hour.

MORE: Car loans for BMW

The bottom line

If you want to boost your BMW’s safety, and it’s not already equipped with BMW’s Driving Assistance Package, purchasing this package is a great way to safeguard yourself against other vehicles and obstacles on the road, especially during heavy traffic.

However, if you’re planning on purchasing a BMW that’s already outfitted with this package, we suggest considering the upgrade to the Driving Assistance Professional Package if you drive often. While $1700 is a substantial chunk of change, the Professional Package is equipped with top-tier safety technology that could save your car and yourself from substantial injuries.